What Does Cross-intestinal Joint Excess Mobility Mean?

The sacroiliac joint is located below the lumbar spine next to the lower part of the spine above the coccyx. It is a structure that connects the intestinal bone and sacrum. Hypersensitivity of the sacroiliac joint and other diseases affecting it are more common in young and middle-aged women.

The sacroiliac joint has the following characteristics:

• First, it is small, very strong and reinforced by ligaments.
• It doesn’t have much mobility.
• It transmits all forces from the upper body to the hips and legs.
• It also acts as a shock absorber.

Anatomy of the sacroiliac joint

The pelvis comprises the base of the body, supports the abdomen and acts as a joint between the lower limbs and the body. It is thus a closed articular circuit consisting of three bones and three joints.

These three bones are:

• Two even and symmetrical intestinal bones.
• Odd and symmetrical bones.
• A block of the spine formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae.

The pelvis is very important for the unstable balance of the spine, as any contradiction in the former inevitably affects the other. For this reason, we can consider it as a functional unit.

The function of the sacroiliac joint is to bring relief between the flexible spine (above) and the stable pelvis below. Experts also consider the sacrum as part of the lumbar spine and the intestinal bone as part of the lower limbs.

Causes of sacroiliac joint pain

It is not yet clear why there is pain in this area. However, some believe that a change in the normal movement of a joint can cause cross-intestinal joint pain.

The source of pain can be:

• Cross-intestinal hypertrophy. It happens when there is too much movement and instability in this area of ​​the back. People usually feel pain in the lower pelvis and it can radiate to the groin.
• Poor mobility of the sacroiliac joint. Unlike in the previous situation, this occurs when there is very little movement or attachment in this area. Thus, people usually feel pain in the lower back or side of the buttocks. The pain in this case can also radiate down to the legs.

People actually describe this kind of pain as similar to the sciatica caused by radiculopathy.

Evaluation of sacroiliac joint mobility

There are many tests to assess the mobility of this joint as well as to diagnose over-mobility or other diseases. However, the tests can be complex and are usually performed differently by each physiotherapist.

The same test can also produce different results. It should be borne in mind that the need for a medical history prior to testing is important as it will help guide experts in making such an assessment.

Here are some of the most common diagnostic tests:

• Cross-intestinal joint mobility test. Although the test is fairly general in nature, your doctor should consider performing this preliminary test to assess the joint. This is because the test gives the doctor information about its mobility within the structure.
• Downing test. This is used to elucidate the different lesions of the sacrum and intestines and the differences between complete or partial mobility deficiency. This test actually consists of two separate tests.
  • Extension test
  • Abbreviation test

• From sacrum to ventral glide. This technique can be used to detect joint obstruction as well as other symptoms that a person may suffer during movement.
• Hip flexion test. This movement allows the doctor to diagnose either intestinal or sacral attachment.

Treatments

There are various physiotherapeutic methods for treating joint problems, such as:

• Unlocking the joint
• Stretching exercises
• Rearrangement of neuromuscular chains

Postural treatment

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other methods that can be used, such as ice, heat, and rest. Medication for pain, supports, posture correctors and controlled physical exercise can also be used.

However, you should see a doctor if you feel uncomfortable in this area.  Do not take any corrective action without supervision.