Skip to content
Glossary

What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?

Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the ilium of the pelvis. Each person has a joint on both sides of the sacrum. Strong ligaments support these joints, which transfer forces between the upper body and legs during standing, walking, and other movements.

Quick Facts About Sacroiliac Joint

Category

Pelvic joint

Used for

Assessing lower back and pelvic movement

Common confusion

Not the same as the hip joint

Also called

SI Joint, sacroiliac articulation

Often discussed with

Back Pain Treatment

Key Takeaways About Sacroiliac Joint

  • The sacrum meets the pelvic bones at paired joints.
  • Ligaments provide most of the joint’s support.
  • Sacroiliac joint symptoms can resemble low back or hip pain.

How Sacroiliac Joint Works

A hand points to a pelvis model beside a notebook labeled sacroiliac joint, laptop, and stethoscope on a desk

Sacroiliac Joint function depends on the fit between the sacrum and the pelvic bones, along with support from surrounding ligaments and muscles. The joints allow limited movement that helps the pelvis absorb and transfer forces as you change position. Their role is mainly stability, not broad motion.

Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Pelvic Tilt, Facet Joint.

A clinician may examine the sacroiliac region by reviewing symptoms, observing posture, and comparing movement on both sides. The assessment may also consider the lumbar spine and hip joint, because discomfort in these areas can feel similar. A finding near the sacroiliac joint does not identify the source of pain by itself.

A man presses on a woman's back in a treatment room, with a pelvis model and clipboard on the table

From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team

When we assess the sacroiliac region during Back Pain Treatment, we review movement, posture, and the surrounding lumbar and pelvic areas. We also consider whether symptoms may come from another nearby structure. This broader check helps us keep the joint finding connected to the person’s overall movement pattern.

Sacroiliac Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person may feel pain near one side of the low back after lifting, turning, or standing unevenly. During Back Pain Treatment, the sacroiliac region is considered along with the lumbar spine, hips, and nearby muscles.

Related Terms

Lumbar Spine

Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and pelvis…

Pelvic Tilt

Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that shifts its front edge…

Facet Joint

A facet joint is a small paired joint at the back of the spine that connects…

Referred Pain

Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure producing…

Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City

Have Questions About Sacroiliac Joint?

Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City for practical guidance on Sacroiliac Joint and related chiropractor work in Garden City.

The health and wellness information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified licensed provider in Garden City, GA, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.

(912) 480-0046