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Understanding the SI Joint: A Chiropractic Approach to Stability and Dysfunction

  • Writer: Adam Cullinan
    Adam Cullinan
  • Mar 20
  • 3 min read


The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a crucial connection between your spine and pelvis, playing an important role in movement, posture, and stability. When it’s functioning properly, it allows for smooth movement and even weight distribution. But when problems arise, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and imbalances that affect your entire body. Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to restore function and reduce discomfort.


Sacroiliac pijn

What Does the SI Joint Do?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint differs from other joints because it moves very little. Instead, it acts as a stabilizer and shock absorber, transferring forces between your upper and lower body. Its main functions are:

  • Providing Stability – It helps keep your spine and pelvis aligned, preventing excessive movements that could lead to injuries.

  • Absorbing Impact – Whether you're walking, running, or standing, the SI joint distributes forces evenly, reducing stress on your lower back.

  • Supporting Movement – Although the SI joint moves minimally, small shifts are essential for maintaining balance and coordination.


What Happens When the SI Joint Doesn't Function Properly?

When the SI joint is not working correctly, it can cause pain and discomfort, often mistaken for other conditions such as lower back pain or sciatica. Two common problems include:

  • Too Much Movement (Instability) – If the joint moves too much, it can create an unstable base, leading to pain and muscle tension as the body tries to compensate.

  • Too Little Movement (Stiffness) – When the joint becomes restricted, it can cause stiffness and discomfort, affecting posture and movement patterns.

Both issues can disrupt the nervous system's ability to control movement, leading to compensations elsewhere in the body and a cycle of ongoing pain and dysfunction.


How Can Chiropractic Care Help with SI Joint Issues?

Chiropractors specialize in restoring proper movement and function to the SI joint through precise, gentle adjustments. The goal is not only pain relief but also helping the body regain balance and stability. This is achieved through:

  1. Identifying the Root CauseA chiropractor assesses your movement and posture to determine whether the issue stems from instability, stiffness, or misalignment. This allows for a targeted treatment plan.

  2. Restoring Muscle BalanceThe muscles around the SI joint must provide stability. When they don’t function properly, other muscles compensate, leading to tension and discomfort. Chiropractic care helps re-activate these muscles, restoring their natural stabilizing function and reducing strain.

  3. Adjustments for Stability and FunctionMany treatments focus only on increasing mobility, but for the SI joint, stability is just as important. Chiropractic adjustments gently return the joint to a balanced, neutral position, allowing the body to function naturally without forcing excessive movement.

  4. Improving Body AwarenessThe body relies on signals from joints and muscles to know how to move and stay balanced. When these signals are disrupted, movement becomes less efficient, and pain can arise. Chiropractic adjustments help reset these signals, leading to better posture, coordination, and overall comfort.

Why Choose Chiropractic Care?

Unlike treatments that only mask symptoms, chiropractic care focuses on addressing the root cause. The benefits include:

  • Long-Term Stability – By treating the core issue of SI joint dysfunction, the recurrence of pain is minimized.

  • Improved Posture and Movement – When the SI joint functions properly, the entire body moves more efficiently.

  • Reduced Muscle Tension – Correcting imbalances relieves muscle tension and prevents stiffness and pain flare-ups in the lower back.

  • Natural Pain Relief – Chiropractic care works with the body’s natural healing ability, reducing the need for medication or invasive treatments.

Conclusion

The SI joint is essential for maintaining stability, balance, and comfortable movement. When it malfunctions, it can cause widespread pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic care provides a safe, natural way to restore function, relieve discomfort, and improve overall well-being.

Are you experiencing sharp pains or stiffness in your lower back?

Book an appointment at MijnChiro, a chiropractor in Eindhoven, and start working towards a pain-free and stable body.




 
 
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