Condition · Sacroiliac joint
SI Joint Dysfunction
Pain from the joint where the sacrum meets the pelvis is often one-sided — but lumbar, hip, and soft-tissue conditions can create a similar pattern.
Symptoms
Pain is often one-sided over the upper buttock and may spread toward the groin or thigh. Transitions, stairs, prolonged standing, or lying on the affected side can aggravate it.
Diagnosis
No single test is definitive. Diagnosis combines the pain location, a cluster of examination maneuvers, evaluation of the lumbar spine and hip, imaging when indicated, and sometimes a carefully performed diagnostic injection.
Treatment options
Physical therapy addresses pelvic and hip mechanics, strength, and load tolerance. Medication, activity modification, and image-guided injections may be used when appropriate.
When surgery is considered
SI joint fusion is reserved for selected patients with persistent disabling pain, a well-supported diagnosis, and insufficient relief after a substantial nonsurgical program.
When to seek care promptly
Seek prompt care for fever with new back or buttock pain, unexplained weight loss, or pain after significant trauma, which can signal other causes.
Initial consultation or second opinion?
Meet Dr. Jihoon Choi for an initial consultation — or bring your imaging for an independent second opinion before your next step. Call (972) 817-7450 or request a visit online.