Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SIJ)
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ pain) affects the lower back, pelvis and buttock. It commonly appears during walking, bending and standing. The sacroiliac joints link your spine to your pelvis and play a major role in load transfer and stability. When irritated or overloaded, SIJ pain often resembles lower back pain, sciatica, hip pain or gluteal tendinopathy.
Sacroiliac joint pain is discomfort arising from the joints connecting your spine and pelvis. It often causes lower back, buttock or groin pain and may mimic sciatica or hip conditions. Irritation occurs when the joint becomes overloaded, unstable or stiff, affecting everyday movement.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ pain) occurs when the sacroiliac joints between the sacrum and pelvis become irritated, overloaded or inflamed. It may spread to the buttock, hip, groin or thigh and often feels similar to lower back or nerve-related pain.
Common Symptoms of SIJ Pain
- Deep buttock or lower back ache
- Sharp pain when standing up from sitting
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs or standing on one leg
- Groin, hip or lateral thigh pain
- Pain when rolling in bed
- Symptoms aggravated during menstruation
- Worse with prolonged sitting or standing
Why Sacroiliac Joint Pain Occurs
SIJ pain generally results from either hypermobility (instability) or hypomobility (stiffness).
Hypermobility (Instability)
- Weak core stability
- Weak deep hip rotators
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Pregnancy-related ligament changes
- Sudden twisting or trauma
Hypomobility (Stiffness)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Pelvic asymmetry
- Muscle tightness restricting rotation
How Physiotherapists Diagnose SIJ Pain
- Movement and loading tests
- Pelvic stability and strength assessment
- Postural and gait analysis
- Palpation of SIJ, hip and lower back
Imaging is rarely needed unless symptoms persist or inflammatory disease is suspected.
Physiotherapy Treatment for SIJ Pain
1. Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may reduce SIJ discomfort and improve mobility. Physiotherapists may apply joint mobilisation, soft-tissue therapy, manipulation and movement retraining. Research supports manual therapy combined with strengthening (PMC).
2. Strength & Stability Rehabilitation
Strengthening is essential for long-term SIJ stability. Your physiotherapist may prescribe:
- Core stability retraining
- Gluteal strengthening
- Deep hip rotator exercises
- Pelvic floor activation
- Walking and movement pattern correction
3. Posture, Lifting & Movement Coaching
- Improved sitting posture
- Better lifting mechanics
- Safer bending strategies
- Walking and gait correction
4. SIJ Support Belts
External pelvic compression may help stabilise hypermobile SIJs. Many people benefit from the Serola SIJ Belt.
You can also view our full range of SIJ braces and sacroiliac supports.
5. Pain Relief Strategies
Some people benefit from targeted lower back exercises designed to support pelvic control.
Expanded Evidence Summary
- Exercise-based rehabilitation provides the strongest long-term outcomes (NCBI)
- Manual therapy + strengthening outperform passive treatment alone (PubMed)
- Gluteal and core strengthening reduces recurrence and improves pelvic stability
- Better Health Channel provides evidence-supported spinal health information (external link)
Related Conditions
People Also Ask
What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain may cause lower back, buttock, groin or hip discomfort. Pain may increase when walking, climbing stairs or rolling in bed.
What causes sacroiliac joint pain?
SIJ pain may occur from instability, stiffness, weak core or gluteal muscles, pregnancy-related ligament changes, trauma or inflammatory arthritis.
How do you relieve sacroiliac joint pain?
Physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, SIJ belts, movement retraining and pacing strategies may relieve symptoms.
Is walking good for sacroiliac joint pain?
Yes. Gentle walking maintains mobility and promotes circulation without overloading the sacroiliac joints.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain FAQs
Can sacroiliac joint pain feel like sciatica?
Yes. SIJ pain can refer into the buttock or leg. A physiotherapist can identify whether symptoms stem from SIJ, neural or lumbar origins.
Is walking good for SIJ pain?
Walking usually helps SIJ pain by promoting movement and improving circulation.
Should I wear an SIJ belt?
An SIJ belt may help short-term instability. A physiotherapist can confirm fit and suitability.
How long does SIJ pain take to settle?
Most people improve within 4–12 weeks with exercise, load management and technique coaching.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
If pain affects walking, standing, sleep or lasts more than a few days.
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Back Pain Tips: 7 Evidence-Based Ways to Move Better, Hurt Less & Recover Faster
A Physiotherapist’s Guide to a Stronger, Healthier Back
Discover practical, research-based strategies to ease back pain, move with confidence, and build long-term strength. Written by physiotherapist John Miller, this concise guide blends science and decades of clinical experience to help you recover faster and stay active for life.
- Clear, actionable advice grounded in current research
- Whole-person approach: movement, sleep, mindset and care team
- Includes a quick flare-up plan, FAQs and daily habits
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