Joint pain
At London Spine Clinic, we understand the impact joint pain can have on your quality of life, and our expert team of consultants are dedicated to diagnosing and addressing the underlying causes of your joint pain to provide effective treatment options.
How we can help with joint pain
Spinal facet joints and sacroiliac joints play a crucial role in the stability and mobility of the spine. When these joints become affected by pain and inflammation, it can lead to significant discomfort and limited functionality. At the London Spine Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating spinal facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain, focusing on providing comprehensive care to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Symptoms
Spinal facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain can manifest in various ways, indicating underlying conditions or injuries. Common symptoms include:
- Localised pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips: You may experience pain that is concentrated in the lower back region, buttocks, or hips. The pain can be sharp, dull, or achy in nature and may vary in intensity.
- Radiating pain down the legs: In some cases, the pain from spinal facet joint or sacroiliac joint issues may radiate down the legs, causing discomfort or pain in the thighs, knees, or calves.
- Aggravation of pain with movement, prolonged sitting or standing, and certain activities: Activities such as bending, twisting, lifting, or prolonged sitting or standing may exacerbate the pain in the affected joints.
- Stiffness and tenderness in the affected area: You may experience stiffness and limited mobility in the lower back, buttocks, or hips. The affected area may also feel tender to the touch.
- Reduced range of motion: Joint pain can limit your ability to move freely. You may notice a decreased range of motion in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.
When to see a consultant
It is advisable to schedule a consultation with our expert consultants if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or worsening joint pain: If you are experiencing persistent or worsening joint pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips.
- Difficulty performing daily activities: If your joint pain is interfering with your ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, standing, sitting, or participating in recreational activities.
- Limited range of motion: If you are experiencing limitations in the range of motion in your lower back, hips, or pelvis, and it is affecting your mobility and quality of life.
- Pain that radiates down the legs: If you are experiencing pain that radiates down your thighs, knees, or calves, in addition to lower back, buttocks, or hip pain.
- Unexplained swelling or tenderness in the affected area: If you notice swelling, tenderness, or inflammation in the lower back, buttocks, or hips without any apparent cause.
- Previous failed treatments: If you have previously tried conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, without significant improvement in your joint pain.
- Impact on quality of life: If your joint pain is significantly affecting your overall quality of life, including your ability to work, sleep, or engage in activities you enjoy.
Causes
Understanding the symptoms and potential causes of spinal facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain is crucial in seeking appropriate medical attention and determining the most effective treatment options. These types of joint pains can have various causes, including but not limited to:
- Degeneration, wear and tear, or injury to the spinal facet joints: Over time, the spinal facet joints may undergo degenerative changes or experience wear and tear, leading to pain and discomfort. Injuries such as fractures or sprains can also contribute to joint pain.
- Inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joints: The sacroiliac joints, which connect the sacrum and the iliac bones, can become inflamed or dysfunctional, causing pain in the lower back and hips.
- Factors such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, trauma, or repetitive stress: Conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, previous trauma, or repetitive stress on the joints can contribute to joint pain in the spine.
