As the center of motion and shock absorption, and even the transfer of power between the upper and lower body, the sacroiliac (SI) joint is where we find the upper and lower body meet. The SI joint can be seen as somewhat of a buffer between the lumbar spine and the hip and therefore helps relieve tension and stress. The SI joint is also vital when we talk about ‘core’ despite the importance we place on its relationship to the lumbar spine.
When your SI joint is dysfunctional and not working properly, the forces placed on it still have to go somewhere and this can lead to pain and injury. If you have ever suffered with this problem or know anyone who has, you will know that the pain can be unbearable and can often affect the hip, back, and even down the legs. When this problem occurs, it impacts all areas of life and suddenly makes the simplest, everyday activities a challenge.
Dysfunction within the SI joints is one of the more common problems we see in patients. It is not only in those who lead a very active lifestyle but also in those who are forced to sit for most of the day. As with any joint, if stressed enough in just the right manner, the SI joint can lose it’s normal biomechanical function and become fixated. Rather than treating the pain this causes by masking the symptoms we choose to correct the problem and restore normal function through specific chiropractic adjustments. When we correct the problem, we then try to find ways to keep it that way. One way we can do this is by improving the overall strength of the gluteals, hamstrings and lats. This helps maintain the correction by lessening any abnormal stress.
As chiropractors, we understand the human body is better able to deal with abnormal stress when there is balance within the spine. This allows the nerve system to work free of any structural interference. The focus of chiropractic care is to keep the bones of the spine (vertebrae) moving properly in their proper relationships with each other, which enhances the function of the spine and nerve system. When this is the case, the spine and nerve system can work together for optimal performance.
Chiropractic care is about maintaining proper mechanics within your spine and joints. When your spine is functioning normally, your body can operate efficiently with ease.
