SI Joint and pelvis ongoing saga

[Carrieb1978]

Hi, I just wondered if there is anyone else that has had very long-term issues with pelvic girdle pain and SI joint.

I’ve had these issues for over 15 years and it really gets me down. It flares up every few months and I can’t even walk the dog a few hundred metres or do house hold pottering with pain. The only thing that settles it is rest for a few days and then excruciatingly slowly building back up again.

I’ve seen numerous osteopath physiotherapist who sometimes give me some temporary relief, but that’s it.

I’m waiting to see an orthopaedic consultant and getting an MRI scan but slightly worried that no matter what I do I can’t keep this at bay.

Over the summer, I started to do a huge amount of core exercise exercises which really helped but if I take a break at all, it just comes back. I was on a recent holiday and couldn’t keep up with the correct exercises and it’s triggered another flair.

I think I’m just on here for a moment actually but if anyone’s got any advice or has been in the similar situation and finally got on top of it, I would love to hear!!

I've had 35yrs of it. Every test, injection, physio, known. They've just put it down to centralised pain syndrome now. Fab, especially as the pain is all over including herniated disc, arthritis and a trapped nerve.

I've been prescribed so many different medications but I'm taking a break and using a dual channel TENS machine. That's really helping.

After 3 years of debilitating pain and GP not much help at all (“sciatica”) my DD is pain free.
we bit the bullet and she went to see Mr Khan at Benenden Hospital. She had an MRI there which went a bit further down than the previous ones, following a really detailed description of the pain. It showed that both SI joints were inflamed.
she is now 5 weeks into a 4-6 month course of anti-inflammatories (can’t remember the name but it’s unusual, not something that’s ever been mentioned before). The side effects take some dealing with but the thought of this nightmare being over in a few months keeps her going!

Yes, for 30 years now. I have a few years ago been diagnosed with EDS and earlier this year was told I have Ankolysing Spondylitis but they’re now querying that as apparently i only have AS changes on the mri scan in my spine, not in my SI joints….but I digress.

do you feel you’re hypermobile at all? I’m very hypermobile in my pelvis.

the one thing which as helped for me is building up glute strength and also lower back exercises. It’s boring and while doing them feels it’s doing nothing but if I slack off I can tell. Also do Pilates. But yes, I feel it’ll always come back. For me it’s the hypermobility which is why building up the muscle strength helps.

Not the exact same situation but I've had one-sided lower back pain that goes into the top of my hip and down my leg for 5+ years. Also get neurological symptoms in my leg and foot. MRI is normal. Seen various physios/osteopaths, done acupuncture/massage/exercises/yoga/pilatea/weight training etc. I've had a different opinion from each physio/osteopaths I've seen, including SI joint dysfunction, fascia tightening, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, glute tendinopathy etc. Nothing helps.

Currently sat on the sofa using a heated blanket to try to get some relief. Finding it hard to sleep or get comfortable. Im at the point where there is nowhere else left to go. Do I just accept that I'll be in pain for the rest of my life?

I was going to suggest getting an MRI of the SI joint. Can be ankylosing spondylitis. You can get one privately for a few hundred pounds.

Have you had a biomechanical assessment including your feet? Flat feet with or without disparity in leg length is one cause of back pain that can be missed.

Thank you for the replies! Sorry to hear so many others in the same boat. I am hopefully getting an MRI soon to see if that shows anything. I have been told I am hyper mobile by a physiotherapist and I think that’s very connected. Plus peri menopause hormone havoc.
I will keep on going trying to build core strength! Interesting about the tens machine I’ve never tried that so that’s something to have in the list to try!

Don't know if you've seen this article on the BBC about pelvic girdle pain, there's also a Listen on Sounds link in the article, might be of some interest? Though it's more directed at pregnancy, don't know if you've had kids.

I've suffered SI joint inflammation for years, and also been told I'm hyper mobile, seems a common theme here. I've found I can't really take breaks from exercises, squats have worked well for me, as well as doing the bridge (a physio favourite!), I also do yoga weekly. If I've strained it and have a flare I use ibuprofen gel or take tablets. Hope you get some relief.
BBC News - I could hardly walk - the issue that affects 1 in 5 mums - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0mxk3w9277o

I do Pilates twice weekly to keep pain free.

Dodgy si you say? Aye mines goosed.

postimg.cc/bGg9xc2k

If you’re hypermobile I’m afraid you have to think of working on your strength to stabilise your body as a part time job. You should be spending at least 30 mins a day doing something. And when you get to a stage where it’s hopefully improved keep doing it. I admit I slack off when the pain is better and then it comes back!