Gentle Chiropractic Techniques for Patients Dealing with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Proper function of the sacroiliac joints, the two small joints connecting the sacrum to the hip bones, is essential to facilitate easy movement. If one or both of the sacroiliac joints suffer from inflammation, stiffness, or pelvic instability, patients may experience pain in the hips, back, and legs, as well as reduced range of motion and improper alignment of the hips and spine.

Fortunately, chiropractic is a safe and effective method for treating sacroiliac joint dysfunction in a wide range of patients. Chiropractors trained by Ideal Spine in our comprehensive Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach learn gentle, yet effective ways to target the source of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and potentially restore function for easy, pain-free movement.

Although traditional spinal manipulation, which uses a fast, high-pressure thrust to the hips, may be an option for some patients experiencing problems with the pelvis and sacroiliac joints, gentler movements are widely preferred due to the lower risk of discomfort. Slower, more mobilizing techniques are also useful if the sacroiliac joint dysfunction is caused by a lack of mobility in the hips.

Chiropractors might employ a number of low-force techniques to manipulate the hips and spine, including the following:

• Adjusting blocks: By placing padded blocks under the patient’s body, the chiropractor can leverage gravity, rather than strong force, to maneuver the sacroiliac joints, pelvis, hip bones, and lumbar spine into the proper positions.
• “Drop” tables: Specialized tables containing sections that can be raised and dropped during chiropractic manipulations combine gravity and force to assist in delivering gentler sacroiliac adjustments.
• Long-axis leg traction: Some techniques may include the chiropractor pulling the patient’s leg in a specific angle. The patient may employ long, deep breaths to assist in the adjustments.
• Activator tools: An Activator is a spring-loaded device that can be used to administer a gentle force to a specific section along the spine or hips. The fast speed of the instrument and its lack of torsion in other parts of the body are believed to contribute to its effectiveness.

In addition to gentle manipulation techniques performed in the chiropractic office, chiropractors can teach their patients other gentle treatments to alleviate sacroiliac joint discomfort, including heat therapy and stretches of the hips and legs. Massage and exercise techniques may also assist in the loosening and strengthening of muscles that support the joints and contribute to misalignment or dysfunction. Chiropractors may perform some of these treatments in the office, as well as teach patients how to conduct them on their own at home to assist with pain management and gradual strengthening of the area.

Chiropractors using Ideal Spine’s CBP techniques aim to not only mitigate pain but also restore proper function and mobility to dysfunctional joints in the body. If you are experiencing sacroiliac joint dysfunction, reach out to one of our chiropractors to learn how our expert-led technique might be able to assist you.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.