Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction: How PRP Therapy Can Restore Stability and Relieve Pain

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is an often-overlooked source of low back pain, yet it accounts for an estimated 15–30% of all cases of axial lower back discomfort. This condition arises when the SI joints become inflamed, degenerate, or experience abnormal motion. 

For those affected by SI joint pain, the impact on daily life can be profound: standing, walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long periods can be painful, making daily tasks difficult and limiting functional independence.

Fortunately, regenerative medicine offers renewed hope for relief. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes the body’s own healing agents, has shown promising results in restoring joint stability and alleviating pain. 

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

The sacroiliac joints are located at the base of the spine where the sacrum connects with the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints are crucial in absorbing shock between the upper body and the lower extremities and contribute to core stability during movement. 

When these joints become inflamed, degenerate, or experience abnormal movement. The most common factors that can lead to SI joint dysfunction include:

• Trauma from falls, car accidents, or sudden impact
• Repetitive stress from activities such as running or heavy lifting
• Pregnancy and childbirth, which place strain on the pelvis and can loosen supporting ligaments
• Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, which can inflame or degenerate the joint
• Postural imbalances or leg length discrepancies, which affect how weight is distributed across the pelvis

How SI Joint Dysfunction is Diagnosed

Because SI joint dysfunction shares symptoms with other causes of lower back pain, diagnosis can be complex. However, a combination of physical examination maneuvers, diagnostic imaging, and sometimes diagnostic injections can confirm SI joint dysfunction. 

Symptoms often mimic other musculoskeletal issues, but hallmark signs may include:

• Lower back pain localized to one or both sides, just below the beltline
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, groin, or thighs
• Discomfort that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or climbing stairs
• Pain that increases when transitioning from sitting to standing
• A sensation of instability in the pelvis or lower back

How Does PRP for SI Joint Dysfunction Work? 

PRP therapy uses a concentrated solution of a patient’s own platelets to support tissue repair and reduce pain and inflammation. To create PRP, a specialist draws a small amount of blood and processes it in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate the platelets. The resulting solution contains powerful biological components that signal the body to repair damaged or degenerated tissue.

When treating SI joint dysfunction, PRP is injected into and around the sacroiliac joint under image guidance, typically using fluoroscopy. This targeted approach ensures that the regenerative solution reaches the joint and surrounding ligaments responsible for pain and instability. 

Benefits of PRP for SI Joint Pain

PRP therapy offers several compelling advantages for individuals with SI joint dysfunction, particularly those seeking alternatives to long-term medication use or invasive procedures. 

Some of the key benefits of PRP therapy include:

• Minimally invasive and performed as an outpatient procedure
• Targets the root cause of SI joint pain by promoting tissue repair and joint stabilization
• Utilizes the body’s own biological material, reducing the risk of allergic reaction
• Little to no downtime, allowing most patients to return to daily activities shortly after treatment
• May reduce the need for repeated steroid injections or surgical intervention

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP SI Joint Injections?

Not every case of sacroiliac joint dysfunction requires the same treatment approach, but for many, PRP therapy offers a promising option. Patients with chronic lower back pain who have not responded to conventional treatment methods, in particular, may be strong candidates. 

You may be a strong candidate for PRP therapy if you:

• Have chronic SI joint pain lasting longer than three months
• Have failed to achieve lasting relief with conservative care
• Want to avoid repeated steroid injections or surgery Are seeking a regenerative, biologic treatment option using your own blood

Conclusion

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can cause persistent, often debilitating lower back pain that interferes with daily life. But you don’t have to live with it forever. PRP therapy provides a targeted approach to reducing pain and inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and restoring joint stability. 

As part of the comprehensive, non-surgical treatment options at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, PRP therapy may be a valuable next step, especially for those with chronic SI joint pain who have not found relief through traditional methods. 

If you’re ready to explore whether PRP is right for you, contact our team today for a personalized evaluation.