The sacroiliac joint is formed by the connection of your left and right iliac (or upper pelvic bones) and your entire sacral spine section. Essentially, the SI joint connects the spine to your pelvis. While most of your vertebrae are mobile and allow for movement such as bending, twisting and rotating; the sacrum consists of five vertebrae that are fused together and do not allow for movement. There is relatively little motion at the SI joint as it is connected by very strong ligaments. As with the majority of other joints in the body, the SI joint has a layer of cartilage covering the bones which acts as a shock absorber. When this cartilage is damaged, particularly through the wearing away process (as seen in Osteoarthritis), the bones begin to rub on each other causing degeneration, inflammation, pain and dysfunction. Since the SI joint allows for minimal movement, when dysfunction occurs this presents a real functional problem as even the most basic movements may not be absorbed. This causes increased pain and inflammation. At the EP Group, not only do we specifically tailor rehabilitation to improve this level of dysfunction by building strength and alleviating strain, we specialise in preventative programs to reduce the likelihood of SI joint dysfunction and in general, low back pain.
