TL;DR Quick answer
Pain from the joints linking the spine and pelvis, felt in the buttock and lower back. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as sacroiliac joint injection.
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About sacroiliac joint pain
The sacroiliac joints sit on either side of the base of the spine. Inflammation or abnormal movement here can cause one-sided buttock pain that may spread into the thigh.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain in the buttock or low back, often on one side; pain when standing up from sitting; pain on climbing stairs |
| Common causes | Wear-related changes; pregnancy and childbirth; inflammatory arthritis |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor if pain is accompanied by morning stiffness lasting over an hour, fever or weight loss |
| Treatment options | Sacroiliac Joint Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain in the buttock or low back, often on one side
- Pain when standing up from sitting
- Pain on climbing stairs
- Discomfort lying on the affected side
Causes
- Wear-related changes
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Uneven walking pattern
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor if pain is accompanied by morning stiffness lasting over an hour, fever or weight loss.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacroiliac Joint Injection | Procedure | An image-guided injection into the joint between the spine and pelvis. | 15–20 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
