When seeking treatment for SI Dysfunction, Chiropractic treatments such as manipulation and mobilization may be beneficial for some patients.

To understand how SI Dysfunction chiropractic treatment might help you, it’s important to know what chiropractic care is, what its goals are as well as its limitations. Chiropractic medicine is a health profession that focuses treatment on conditions of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. This type of treatment is most often used to treat pain in the back, neck, joints and in some cases, even headaches. A Doctor of Chiropractic (frequently referred to as a chiropractor or D.C.) is a health care professional who practices a hands-on approach to treating these disorders.

For people experiencing pain or discomfort as a result of SI joint dysfunction, chiropractic treatment may be prescribed by your physician. Whether the cause of the dysfunction is improper movement of the SI joint or strain on its surrounding ligaments, the goal is to treat sacroiliac joint pain using specific body manipulations that are appropriately suited for and tolerated by each patient.

How is SI Dysfunction Chiropractic Treatment Performed?

SI joint chiropractic adjustments are generally performed using one or a combination of two approaches. Traditional treatment includes something called spinal manipulation. During a spinal manipulation procedure, the patient will lie down on one side and the chiropractor will apply specific pressure and/or thrusting techniques to the area where the affected sacroiliac joint is located. The goal of this approach is to decrease stiffness of the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint and to increase the joint’s range of motion so that it can move more appropriately. Frequently this technique creates a popping or cracking sound when the SI joint is released. Some patients may be uncomfortable with the sound or feeling of this technique. When that is the case, a less forceful type of chiropractic therapy may be applied, called spinal mobilization.

The goal of spinal mobilization as an SI dysfunction chiropractic treatment is for spinal manipulation techniques – to restore or enhance proper SI joint function. The difference however, lies in the way the procedure is performed. Using spinal mobilization, the chiropractor uses slower, less “thrusting” movements in order to mobilize the affected joint. A chiropractor may choose a mobilization technique over a manipulation technique for a number of reasons – including, but not limited to patient preference, inflammatory arthritis concerns, skeletal deformity and body weight.

Chiropractic adjustments for treating Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can be a viable treatment approach for patients, particularly when they are combined with other conservative options including physical therapy and medications. It is important that you follow the instructions of your physician and Chiropractor to achieve the best possible outcome for you. In cases where chiropractic care has failed to provide sufficient relief, your physician may suggest other treatment options. Learn more about them here