What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction about 4 years ago but had suffered from it for at least 10 years before the diagnosis. Since then I cannot stretch my left arm above my head or bend to the left without this tremendous searing pain. I can not stand or sit for any length of time. When standing I am constantly stepping back and forth to relieve the pain which is brought on by sitting too long. I have not told my family doctor, because he will want me to see an orthopedic doctor and then he will want me to have an MRI which I cannot afford.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are major issues with not having an MRI as the symptoms that you describe can easily be a disc issue causing nerve root irritation, You know enough about this problem having suffered for so long. Are there any urinary symptoms, especially a lack of control? Numbness in the perineum, and weakness in the legs. As long as you do not have any, you can try the following. As far as management is concerned you can try for a week to ten days.

Anti-inflammatory tablets which you can safely take are Naproxen or Diclofenac.
Take tablet Tramadol.
Take tablet Paracetamol 650 mg thrice daily.
Pregabalin or equivalent drug 75 mg twice a day.
You can in addition apply a pain-relieving gel locally in the back.
Try moist heat with a wet squeezed hot towel.

I hope this helps.