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 side of the pelvis has one sacroiliac joint. These joints transfer load between the upper body and legs while allowing limited movement during standing, walking, and changes in position.

Quick Facts About Sacroiliac Joint

Category

Pelvic joint

Used for

Load transfer and pelvic movement

Common confusion

Often confused with the hip joint

Also called

SI Joint, Sacroiliac articulation

Often discussed with

Hip Pain Treatment

Key Takeaways About Sacroiliac Joint

  • The sacroiliac joint links the sacrum with the pelvic bone.
  • Movement is limited but supports walking and weight transfer.
  • Sacroiliac joint discomfort is not the same as hip joint pain.

How Sacroiliac Joint Works

A doctor’s hands tap a pelvis model beside medical tools and a hip X-ray on a gray table

The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum with the ilium, which forms part of the pelvis. Strong ligaments support the joint and limit its movement. This design helps the pelvis remain stable as force moves between the spine and legs.

Related glossary terms: Sacrum, Lumbar Spine, Joint Mobilization.

Clinicians consider the joint’s location, nearby tissues, movement patterns, and pain behavior during an assessment. Findings may be compared with the lumbar spine and hip joint because discomfort in these areas can feel similar. A practical assessment looks at how standing, walking, bending, or changing position affects the region.

A man presses on a woman lying face down on a treatment table, with a pelvis model and clinic tools nearby

From the Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs team

When we assess the sacroiliac joint, we consider the person’s symptoms, posture, pelvic movement, and nearby spinal or hip findings. Our team connects those observations with functional tasks, such as walking or changing position, so the care plan addresses the full movement pattern.

Sacroiliac Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person with hip-area discomfort may feel symptoms near the back of the pelvis when standing from a chair. During a hip pain treatment visit, the assessment can consider the sacroiliac joint along with the hip and lumbar spine.

Related Terms

Sacrum

Sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the lumbar spine…

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine…

Joint Mobilization

Joint Mobilization is a hands-on technique that applies controlled, gentle movement to a joint to support…

Range of Motion

Range of Motion is the degree to which a joint can move through its available direction…

Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs

Have Questions About Sacroiliac Joint?

Contact Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs for practical guidance on Sacroiliac Joint and related chiropractor work in Lithia Springs.

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 Lithia Springs, Georgia, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.

(770) 501-7716