If you've been living with persistent lower back pain, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints we see at Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai. But not all back pain is created equal. In fact, one often-missed cause of low back pain is sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction—a condition that can feel nearly identical to traditional lumbar spine issues.

We understand how frustrating it is to try multiple treatments without lasting relief. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to consider whether your SI joint is the real culprit.

What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac joints are located where your spine meets your pelvis—one on each side. These joints act like shock absorbers, transferring weight between your upper body and legs. Unlike the flexible joints in your limbs, the SI joints allow only limited movement, but they play a critical role in maintaining stability.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction happens when there is too much or too little movement in these joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and often, misdiagnosis.

Why It’s Mistaken for Low Back Pain

SI joint dysfunction can produce symptoms that mimic common lumbar spine conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or muscle strain. This can lead to confusion, delayed diagnosis, and ineffective treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on one side of the lower back or buttocks
• Discomfort that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or climbing stairs
• Pain that radiates to the thigh (but rarely past the knee)
• Stiffness or instability in the pelvis

Because these symptoms are so similar to other back conditions, accurate diagnosis requires a careful physical examination, detailed history, and sometimes specialized imaging or diagnostic injections.

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