What Is The Difference Between SI Joint Dysfunction and SI Joint Inflammation?

Patients will often ask what the difference is between SI inflammation and SI dysfunction. SI dysfunction is an umbrella term for an abnormality within the joint. Often times this includes inflammation. Typically when we use it as clinicians, we are referring to either an abnormal motion or an abnormal position of the SI joint. This abnormal position or abnormal motion is caused by ligament dyslaxity or loosening of the ligaments. When ligaments become loose they can become inflamed and this is typically what we refer to as a SI inflammation. Often SI inflammation and SI dysfunction go hand in hand but they are two separate entities.