[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/si-joint-fusion-diagnosing-true-si-pain-before-you-fuse\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/si-joint-fusion-diagnosing-true-si-pain-before-you-fuse\/","headline":"SI Joint Fusion: Diagnosing True SI Pain Before You Fuse","name":"SI Joint Fusion: Diagnosing True SI Pain Before You Fuse","description":"Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is a common cause of pain in older populations, but it shares symptoms with several other lumbar spine conditions. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania.\u00a0We perform thorough testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis before planning treatment. Learn […]","datePublished":"2026-04-23","dateModified":"2026-04-23","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/#Person","name":"Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3d-rendering-of-front-view-of-human-pelvis-scaled.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3d-rendering-of-front-view-of-human-pelvis-scaled.jpg","height":1707,"width":2560},"url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/si-joint-fusion-diagnosing-true-si-pain-before-you-fuse\/","about":["Miscelleanous"],"wordCount":1008,"articleBody":"Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease is a common cause of pain in older populations, but it shares symptoms with several other lumbar spine conditions. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania.\u00a0We perform thorough testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis before planning treatment. Learn more about our process and how we decide when SI joint fusion is appropriate.Key TakeawaysSacroiliac joint disease is pain in the sacroiliac joint. Its other symptoms include instability, reduced range of motion, or stiffness in the lower back.Multiple lower back conditions cause similar symptoms to SI joint disease. An accurate diagnosis is vital to planning the most appropriate treatment.SI joint disease is diagnosed with a physical examination, medical imaging, and a joint injection.Understanding Sacroiliac Joint AnatomyThe sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum, or the triangular bone at the base of the spine, to the iliac bones of the pelvis. This joint is responsible for transferring weight from the spine to the pelvis. It also functions as a shock absorber for the spine. Both roles are high-stress. Although the sacroiliac joint is large, it can be susceptible to overuse injuries and degeneration. Pain in the sacroiliac joint is known as sacroiliac joint disease\u00a0and can cause symptoms including:Aching pain in the lower backBurning, sharp, or stabbing pain in the buttocks or thighsPain that gets worse when climbing stairs, running, or lying downInstability or a feeling of giving way in the lower backReduced range of motion in the lower backUnexplained inflexibility or stiffnessWhile some patients experience temporary symptoms from SI joint disease, others have pain that is chronic. That means that they continue experiencing pain for months at a time. Chronic SI joint pain does not get better by itself and may not respond well to conservative care. Surgical treatment is often the only solution that will provide long-term relief.The Importance of Proper DiagnosisBefore planning a surgery, it is vital to be certain that SI joint disease is the cause of the patient\u2019s symptoms. The lower back is a complex structure with several important joints located close together. Pain from one joint can feel very similar to pain from another, making it very difficult to identify lumbar spine conditions from symptoms alone. Conditions that can mimic SI joint pain include:Degenerative disc diseaseArthritis (spondylosis)Muscle strainAn inappropriate treatment will have no positive effect on symptoms. At worst, it may even make the patient\u2019s discomfort increase due to reduced mobility in the SI joint. To get relief and avoid long-term consequences, such as failed back syndrome, patients must first have their pain properly diagnosed.How Is SI Joint Pain Diagnosed?A lower back pain diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination. The NU-Spine surgeon evaluates the patient\u2019s back and asks them to perform a series of simple movements. These movements are to test what provokes pain, helping the surgeon determine which joints may be responsible.The next step is medical imaging. X-rays are ideal for diagnosing issues with skeletal structures, while a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan helps to rule out soft tissue conditions. Finally, the surgeon performs a joint injection. This procedure involves injecting pain relief medication directly into the SI joint. If the patient experiences a significant reduction of symptoms, then an SI joint surgery is likely to have positive results. If not, then other treatments may be considered.When Is SI Joint Fusion Appropriate?SI joint fusion\u00a0is the traditional surgical procedure for treating SI joint disease. It involves fusing the sacrum to the iliac bones, resulting in a single strong bone that is more resilient against stress. While fusion is proven to provide long-term relief, it permanently reduces the patient\u2019s lower back flexibility. As a result, it should not be considered unless necessary. Most treatment plans begin with conservative methods, such as:Physical therapyPain relief medicationsJoint injectionsIf these treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be the next step. Patients can speak with a NU-Spine surgeon to find out whether SI joint fusion is the right next step for them.Find SI Joint Pain Relief Near You at NU-SpineIf you are struggling with lower back pain, SI joint fusion may provide lasting relief. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at a state-of-the-art pain center location near you\u00a0in New Jersey, Florida, or Pennsylvania. Contact us\u00a0today to learn more or schedule an appointment.FAQ About SI Joint FusionWhat symptoms can sacroiliac joint disease cause?Sacroiliac joint disease can cause aching lower back pain, burning or stabbing pain in the buttocks or thighs, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and a feeling of instability in the lower back.Why is SI joint pain difficult to diagnose?SI joint pain can feel very similar to other lower back problems, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and muscle strain. That\u2019s why symptoms alone are not enough to confirm the true source of pain.When should I talk to a spine specialist about surgery?You should talk to a spine specialist if you experience severe back pain that impacts your quality of life and does not get better with conservative care.What conservative treatments are usually tried before SI joint fusion?Most treatment plans start with non-surgical care such as physical therapy, pain relief medications, and joint injections. Surgery is usually considered only if these options do not provide enough relief.What long-term results can I expect from SI joint fusion?SI joint fusion provides significant relief from SI joint pain, helping you reduce your medication usage and get back to your normal lifestyle. Joint fusion does reduce mobility in the joint, causing a slight reduction in lower back flexibility.Who performs spine surgeries at NU-Spine?At NU-Spine, surgeries are performed by outstanding neurosurgeons, Dr. Branko Skovrlj\u00a0and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"SI Joint Fusion: Diagnosing True SI Pain Before You Fuse","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/si-joint-fusion-diagnosing-true-si-pain-before-you-fuse\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]