Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
One-sided pain right at the dimple of the low back. Worse rolling over in bed, standing from a chair, or standing on one leg to dress. The sacroiliac joint is a frequent, testable,…
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician, Nevada License B-567 · Dr. Bader · Dr. Doyle · Last reviewed: July 2026
One-sided pain right at the dimple of the low back. Worse rolling over in bed, standing from a chair, or standing on one leg to dress. The sacroiliac joint is a frequent, testable, and frequently-missed source of 'low back pain' — and it likes specific care.
What’s actually going on
The SI joints connect the spine's base (sacrum) to the pelvis — strong, slightly-moving joints built for load transfer. When one gets restricted or irritated (or hypermobile, notably around pregnancy), it produces a signature pattern: one-sided pain below the beltline, sometimes referring into the buttock or thigh, rarely below the knee.
Common causes we see
- Lifting-and-twisting strains
- A misstep off a curb — the classic one-legged jolt
- Pregnancy and postpartum ligament laxity
- Asymmetric patterns: always crossing the same leg, standing on one hip, one-sided sports
- Arthritic change in the joint with age
How we evaluate it
SI provocation tests (a cluster of them — single tests mislead), lumbar screening to rule the spine in or out, hip testing, and functional assessment of the asymmetries that feed the joint. The cluster-testing approach is what separates an SI diagnosis from a shrug.
How chiropractic care may help
SI joints respond distinctly well to specific care: targeted adjustments to restore joint play, soft-tissue work for the guarding muscles around it, stabilization exercises for hypermobile patterns (pregnancy-related especially), and habit fixes for the asymmetries. Many SI patterns improve within a short course of care — it's one of the most satisfying patterns we treat, and we say that while still promising nothing.
What to expect
Expect us to test both sides and your habits, not just the sore spot. SI problems are usually pattern problems.
⚠ When to seek medical care instead
Medical evaluation for: SI-area pain with fever, with inflammatory signs (long morning stiffness improving with movement, especially under 40 — possible inflammatory arthritis worth a rheumatology look), after significant trauma, or with unexplained weight loss.
Assessment reference: SI provocation-test clusters (Laslett et al.) as standard practice.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
In pain right now? Acute patients get priority scheduling. Call and tell us what’s going on — same-week appointments are usually available.
☎ (775) 829-7575Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain — FAQs
How is SI pain different from sciatica?
SI pain usually stays above the knee and lacks true nerve findings (numbness, weakness, reflex change). Sciatica traces a nerve line below the knee. The exam separates them — and pregnancy SI pain is its own well-known variant we treat frequently.
Why does it keep coming back on the same side?
Habits load joints asymmetrically — the leg you always cross, the hip you always stand on, the car seat you live in. Care that ignores the pattern invites the sequel; ours doesn't.
Is SI pain common in pregnancy?
Very — hormonal ligament laxity plus changing load. Gentle, position-modified care and stabilization work help many expectant patients; see our prenatal page for the full picture.
What patients say
Reno Patients, In Their Own Words
“First time here… Friendly and efficient receptionist, she explained everything in detail. I saw Dr. Bader. Listened to my areas of pain, explained many things and my first adjustment was great. He is also friendly, has good “bedside” manners. They are a hometown health provider.”
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Bader for the last 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great bedside manor. The office is very well run… Most insurance is accepted and if it’s not, the cash plan is very reasonable. Walk in’s are acceptable and same day appointments are most likely.”
“Dr Bader is a Super Chiropractor! Palmer educated.”
“They actually work on fixing your issues with adjustments and therapy and get you in and out of the office in a timely manner.”
Real patient reviews from Google and Yelp, quoted word-for-word (ellipses mark trims — nothing else is changed). Individual experiences vary — care decisions always follow an examination. Read them all — unfiltered — at the sources.
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Fastest path is a call — (775) 829-7575 (Mon/Wed 9–1 & 3–5 · Tue/Thu 2–5 · Fri 9–1). Prefer to write? Send this and we’ll call you back, usually within the hour during office hours — after hours, you’re first on the morning list.
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