How SI Joint Fusion Addresses Sciatica

SI Joint Dysfunction Could Be the Cause of Your Pain

For many patients, knowing the root cause of their pain is less important than feeling relief. However, what you think might be sciatica could actually be a form of sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. Learn more about this condition and how a special type of joint fusion surgery could help reduce or eliminate discomfort.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a general term used to describe pain that radiates from the lower back and travels down the leg. This can be caused by several things, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or Piriformis Syndrome, which is when the muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve.

However, for some people, their sciatic pain is actually caused by SI joint dysfunction.

How Does SI Joint Dysfunction Irritate Your Sciatic Nerve?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are in the pelvis on either side of the sacrum—i.e. the triangular bone at the base of your spine. These joints act as shock absorbers for the spine and help distribute weight evenly. However, they can become dysfunctional and cause pain when they move too much or not enough. When this happens, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain to radiate down the leg.

Overview of SI Joint Fusion Surgery

Your doctor may recommend SI joint fusion surgery if you have sacroiliac joint dysfunction causing sciatica pain. This minimally invasive procedure uses small screws and rods to fuse the SI joints together so they can no longer move, which helps to eliminate pain and can also stabilize the spine.

SI joint fusion surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. The surgery itself only takes about an hour, and you will likely experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks afterward. Most people report significant improvements in their pain levels after the process.

SI Joint Fusion Surgery in Minnesota

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help to reduce or eliminate sciatica pain. If you are experiencing this type of pain, your doctor may recommend this surgery as a possible treatment option.

To learn more about how this procedure and other minimally invasive options can help address your pain, contact the team at Inspired Spine today.