2:25,
I am worried about causing a hypomobility as you mention. I know that a lot of MDs are under the assumption the SI-joint is a naturally a completely fused joint within the body (which it’s not, there is slight movement). In my mind, having it fused or using screws would still leave me with asymmetry from side-to-side. You bring up a good point.
Lopez,
I have not seen Vicki (PT) in GA. I live in NY and am unable to afford a trip like that. I may still research if she can do a phone consult of some sort and give advice on exercises although most PTs do not do that.
asdgfasdf,
What exercises were you doing on the yoga ball? I have read that anything involving spinal flexion will most likely make the issue worse so I have avoided that. I am still interested to hear what worked for you (or made it worse) to try and tailor the core work I am doing now. I've definitely had relief from it but the joint is very hypermobile from chiros torquing it all over the place. Even if I get some cracks and pops out of it at home with easy stretching and core work it will shift again within a few hours or by the next day.
PT & Physiatrist,
I have not had an injection in the SIJ yet. That is what I am hoping to have eventually, but I want to find the right physiatrist or MD to do the injection. I don't want it to leave them with doubts about where the pain is coming from. I do agree it's extremely hard to diagnose. I've put a lot of thought into where else it could be coming from. I can say I have the following:
1. pain directly over the SIJ and medial to the PSIS
2. sit with that hip hiked up higher
3. slight leg-length discrepancy (more functional than actual)
4. groin pain
5. + FABER test
6. + Gaenslen's Test
7. radicular pain into the glutes and down part of thigh
8. hypertonicity of muscles and tendons in the area (specifically adductor and psoas)
I have other symptoms none of them travel above the sacral region and into the lumbar region. I have no lower back pain that I can elicit with any movement or palpation (except my psoas feels jacked up on the affected side even above my waistline). I've actually met an MD who had SIJ for about 17 years, wasn't able to do many activities, had the surgery, and just ran a 17 mile race not that long ago (pain free with no problems). I don't think all cases turn out like that but I am trying to find who has had good and bad experiences so I can get a better idea of options down the road. Thank you for the ideas and tips, I appreciate them!