Sacroiliac Joint Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sacroiliac Joint Disease?
A primary care doctor is usually the first person to see and can examine you, order imaging, and start treatment. If pain does not improve, they may refer you to a physiatrist, orthopedic doctor, or rheumatologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum, the triangle-shaped bone at the base of the spine, to the ilium, the wing-shaped hip bone. Sacroiliac joint disease means one or both joints become painful or inflamed, sometimes called sacroiliitis. Pain can be short term or last for years.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is lower back pain, usually on one side, often spreading to the buttock, hip, or thigh. Pain may worsen after standing, climbing stairs, or rolling over in bed, and can feel sharp, dull, or achy.
Causes and who gets it
Injury from a fall, car crash, or hard twist can damage the joint. Pregnancy, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis are other common causes. It can happen at any age but is often seen in adults.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no single test. A doctor will press on spots near the joint and move your legs and hips to see which movements hurt. X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests can help. Numbing medicine injected into the joint that briefly relieves pain points to the sacroiliac joint.
Treatment
Treatment usually starts with physical therapy, heat, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter relievers such as ibuprofen. Doctors sometimes give a corticosteroid injection into the joint. If these fail, radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to quiet pain-carrying nerves, may help. Surgery is rare.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if lower back pain lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back. Get care right away if pain follows a fall. Seek urgent care for pain with fever, leg numbness or weakness, or new bladder or bowel problems.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the joint, order imaging, prescribe medicine, and arrange therapy, referring you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is sacroiliac joint pain the same as sciatica?
No, but they can feel similar. Sciatica is pain caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. Sacroiliac joint pain stays closer to the back of the hip and buttock. A doctor can usually tell the difference with an exam.
Can sacroiliac joint pain go away on its own?
Sometimes it does, especially after an injury or pregnancy. Many people improve with rest, physical therapy, and simple pain relief. Others have pain that lasts longer and needs more treatment.
Is surgery needed for sacroiliac joint disease?
Usually not. Most people get better with exercise, medicine, or injections. Doctors only consider surgery after other treatments have failed over a long period of time.
Can exercise make it worse?
Some movements, like heavy lifting or twisting, can aggravate the joint. A physical therapist can teach you which movements to avoid and which exercises help. Gentle activity is usually better than doing nothing at all.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
