Is It Really Your Back? The Overlooked Cause of Chronic Low Back Pain

If your back pain keeps coming back no matter what you do… you might be treating the wrong thing.

Key Takeaways

• SI joint dysfunction is often mistaken for other forms of low back pain
  

• Misdiagnosis leads to wasted time, treatments, and money
  

• A precise hip and pelvis evaluation can uncover the real issue
  

• Pelvis alignment is key to full-body function and pain relief
  

• You don’t have to live with recurring low back pain
  

You’ve done all the things 👉 stretches, foam rolling, heating pads, even rest days—and yet your back keeps nagging you.

Here’s the truth no one told you: it might not be your back at all.

Let’s talk about your sacroiliac (SI) joint.

That tiny joint where your spine meets your pelvis could be the root of everything you’ve been struggling with and chances are, no one’s checked it yet.

What is the SI Joint and Why Does It Matter?

The sacroiliac joint connects the base of your spine to the top of your pelvis. It’s not a big mover, but it plays a crucial role in stability and shock absorption. Every step you take, every time you sit or stand, your SI joint helps transfer weight from your upper body down to your legs.

When this joint stops doing its job properly, everything above and below it suffers. According to PubMed research, dysfunction in this joint can significantly impact lower back health.

Why SI Joint Dysfunction Gets Missed

Here’s the kicker: SI joint pain doesn’t always feel like a joint issue. It often mimics:

• Sciatica
  

• Herniated discs
  

• Hip problems
  

• Even just "tight glutes"
  

That’s why many providers miss it. Most assessments don’t isolate the SI joint, and most treatment plans are built on surface-level symptoms.

So you try another stretch. Another round of rest. Maybe even injections or surgery and still no change.

The Red Flags: Is This YOU?

Ask yourself:

• Is your pain one-sided?
  

• Does it worsen when you’re on your feet too long?
  

• Do you feel better when lying down?
  

• Do you notice instability or locking around your hips or low back?
  

If any of those hit home, your SI joint might be involved.

It’s especially common for:

• Women post-pregnancy
  

• People recovering from lumbar fusion
  

• Athletes with repetitive impact (AAPM&R)
  

The Pelvis is the Foundation

Think of your pelvis like the foundation of a house.

If it’s off by even a little, everything above it (like your spine) will compensate often leading to tightness, fatigue, and chronic strain. Misalignment here doesn’t just cause local pain. It can throw off your entire kinetic chain.

What starts as a small shift in the pelvis can end in chronic back discomfort, hip pain, or ongoing instability (Cleveland Clinic).

What You Can Do (That Actually Helps)

Here’s the good news: SI joint dysfunction is manageable once it’s correctly diagnosed.

1. Get a targeted hip and pelvis evaluation. Not just any assessment, one that looks at the biomechanics, mobility, and alignment of your pelvic region.
   

2. Stabilize the area. Chiropractic adjustments, stability & movement training, and hands-on care can all help retrain the body to move and support itself correctly. See Hinge Health's SI exercises.
   

3. Avoid guesswork. Stop throwing random exercises at your pain and start working off real, tested data.
   

4. Commit to healing the root. This isn’t about another band-aid. It’s about building back the structure your body depends on.
   

5. Reassess your whole body. Sometimes SI joint dysfunction is part of a bigger puzzle. When one area breaks down, others often follow.
   

Let’s Get to the Bottom of It

If you’ve tried everything for your low back pain and nothing seems to stick you don’t need another stretch or temporary patch.

You need to know what’s really going on.

We offer a detailed, hands-on Hip and Pelvis Evaluation for just $69. No guesswork. No assumptions. Just real insight into your pain and what to do about it.

Book your $69 Evaluation now and start moving forward with confidence.

FAQs

Q: Can SI joint pain cause leg pain or sciatica-like symptoms?
A: Yes. SI joint dysfunction can refer pain down the leg, similar to sciatica. That’s part of why it often gets misdiagnosed.

Q: Is SI joint dysfunction permanent?
A: Not necessarily. With the right treatment, many people find lasting relief. The key is proper diagnosis and a focused treatment plan.

Q: Will this require surgery?
A: Surgery is rarely the first line of treatment. Most cases respond well to conservative care like chiropractic, physical therapy, and stabilization exercises.

Q: How do you test for SI joint dysfunction?
A: A combination of movement-based tests and hands-on evaluations can suggest SI joint involvement. Diagnostic injections may also be used for confirmation.

Q: Can exercises help?
A: Yes. Once your joint is stable and moving properly, strengthening and mobility exercises can help maintain your progress.

Need help fast?
Start with a clear, affordable evaluation. Book now at spinepainpc.com.

Disclaimer: This blog was generated with the assistance of AI and carefully reviewed, edited, and updated by Dr. Josh Bletzinger DC to ensure accuracy and relevance on the topic of pelvic function.