SI Joint Dysfunction in Merrillville, Indiana

How Car Accidents Damage the SI Joint

The sacroiliac joints absorb and distribute forces between the upper body and legs. During a motor vehicle collision — particularly a rear-end or side-impact crash — the sudden force transfer through the pelvis can strain, sprain, or destabilize the SI joint ligaments. Symptoms include deep pain in the lower back or buttock (often on one side), pain that worsens with sitting, standing from a seated position, or climbing stairs, and pain that radiates into the hip or upper thigh.

Diagnosis of SI Joint Dysfunction

SI joint pain can mimic lumbar disc disease or hip pathology, making accurate diagnosis essential. Our evaluation includes specific provocative physical examination maneuvers (Gaenslen’s test, FABER test, compression test), digital X-ray, and MRI review. In many cases, a diagnostic SI joint injection — where local anesthetic is injected directly into the joint under fluoroscopic guidance — provides definitive confirmation of the SI joint as the pain source.

Treatment Options

Conservative treatment includes physical therapy focused on pelvic stabilization, core strengthening, and SI joint-specific exercises. When conservative care provides insufficient relief, interventional options include SI joint corticosteroid injections for inflammation reduction and radiofrequency ablation of the sacral lateral branch nerves for longer-lasting pain relief. Our physicians document all findings and treatment for personal injury and insurance purposes.