Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joint (SI Joint) is right underneath the cleft lift scar, and it is not uncommon for there to be some confusion regarding pain from the cleft lift surgery and irritation of that joint (sacroiliitis). Pain that develops in the sacral area, in the absence of any pilonidal openings, wounds, bleeding or drainage very well may have some other cause than pilonidal disease or cleft lift surgery. Here is some more detail about sacroiliitis.

What causes SI Joint Pain?

Repeated twisting, bending, or heavy lifting, especially if you haven’t been doing that recently.
Falling or any trauma to the low back area.
Asymmetry of the pelvis or poor posture.
Not stretching or warming up before sports or lifting.

What are the Symptoms?

Pain in the very low back, often alongside the cleft lift incision on one side or both.
Stiffness and pain with bending or twisting.
Pain with sitting

How is it diagnosed?

Often, just the history of pain, how it began, and where it is located is enough to generate a high index of suspicion that the pain is from the SI Joint.
X-rays, MRI or CT scan may be helpful, but don’t always show the irritation.

What is the Treatment?

Rest the area by stopping the activity that may have caused it.
Anti-inflammatory medications.
Apply ice packs to the area of discomfort.
Consider message, acupuncture, or physical therapy.
Consider seeing a chiropractor, sports medicine, or orthopedic physician for further evaluation and treatment.