10 Ways to Reduce Swelling and Inflammation in Your SI Joint
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction refers to sharp, stabbing pain in the sacroiliac joint region. It can be chronic when caused by conditions like osteoarthritis. It can also be short-term caused by an injury, strain or pregnancy. In most cases, the pain can be significantly alleviated by treating inflammation and swelling in the area.
We have put together 10 different ways to help you ease pain and strengthen your sacroiliac joint.
Ice and heat therapy
Applying ice to an inflamed area is one of the simplest ways to reduce swelling. This can be done by wrapping ice in a towel and applying it to the lower back region. Heat therapy also helps in relieving back pain as it increases blood flow to the area where muscles have become tense, thus reducing the pain signals that are sent to the brain.
Eliminating foods that cause inflammation
Decreasing inflammation throughout your body will naturally help to decrease inflammation in your SI joint. You may want to include omega-9 rich foods in your diet — such as olive oil, fish and nuts like walnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds. Meanwhile, avoid foods like red meat as they are high in cholesterol and salt, both of which are inflammation triggers.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive technique that treats pain by promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It stimulates specific acupoints on the body by identifying the acupoint areas and placing needles. This treatment involves little to no pain and is a rather relaxing process.
SI joint steroid injections
SI joint steroid injection is another minimally invasive technique that is popular for decreasing inflammation and swelling. It involves injecting an anti-inflammatory directly into the joint to reduce pain. The treatment is repeated every 3-4 months to help patients effectively manage their pain.
Low-impact exercise
People often think that restricting themselves from moving is the only way to avoid sparking back pain. While rest is certainly an important factor, it is equally important to stretch the muscles surrounding the SI joint to prevent muscle strain, which can contribute to inflammation in the joint.
TENS therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, commonly known as TENS, is a type of therapy that provides low-voltage current to ease pain. It works by hooking up electrodes to the skin in the area where pain is experienced, sending signals to the brain that block pain signals. A TENS unit has a variety of settings to suit the needs of different users in getting maximum pain relief.
Daily multivitamin supplement
Certain vitamins help in fighting against inflammation in the body, including the SI joint. Some important vitamins to include in your daily supplement are Vitamins A, B6, C, D and K.
Avoiding activities that increase inflammation
Take frequent breaks from sports or physical activities if they seem to cause swelling in your SI joint. Activities like golf, hiking, weightlifting, basketball, martial arts and cycling can put stress on the lower back area, aggravating pain and inflammation.
Strength building
Physical therapy is a common protocol for improving body mechanics and reducing joint pain. Regularly stretching the muscles around the joint can help loosen tight muscles and improve range of motion. Muscles specifically targeted for building strength include abs, pelvic floor, lower back and buttocks.
Massage therapy
Since SI joint pain originates from the pelvis, it requires a great deal of care and attention. Massage therapy is highly recommended to get quick relief from the pain. The treatment involves a mixture of oils that is applied to relax the muscles, mobilize the soft tissues and soothe the body.
FCBS Dubai has a team of dedicated professionals to help clients understand their pain points and guide them through the SI joint dysfunction treatment and its numerous benefits. To know more about our services, book an appointment today.