[zmt]

Hi, I'm postnatal (15 months) and experiencing more and more pain in my lower back/sacroiliac area. How can I tell if it's sacroiliac pain or sciatica, and what treatment works best (physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.)? Can it be cured or only managed? The pain is unbearable and is severely impacting my functioning - and it's really disheartening because I am very active. Thanks for any guidance on this issue!

[Deb]

Sorry to hear about the lower back pain you are experiencing. One way to identify if it is SI or sciatica is to notice where exactly you are feeling the discomfort. SI pain is a skeletal issue while sciatica or piraformis issues are muscular. The muscular issues (piriformis or sciatica) are often felt deep in the buttocks and can radiate down the back of the leg. Stretching such as pigeon pose or any deep buttock, internal and some external hip opening poses will stretch the piriformis and often offer relief. The SI - skeletal issue- will be localized to one or both sides of the lower back one to two inches from the sacrum.

Since SI pain is skeletal, the remedy is often stabilizing the area- especially after childbirth. Although sometimes it can also be caused by one side of the pelvis being too tight. But considering you are postpartum, stabilization is more likely going to be helpful. Keep up with your Kegels and your transverse abdominal exercises as well as internal rotation hip opening poses. Also, side stretches help release a tight lower back which can help the SI joint.

I would also recommend seeing a PT (physical therapist) if the problem persists.

Hope this helps!!

Take care
Deb