Sacroiliac Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sacroiliac

[ˌsækrəʊˈɪliæk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy, joint

The sacroiliac joint is the joint between the sacrum of the spine and the iliac bones of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in connecting the upper body to the lower body and helps in stabilizing the pelvis during movements. Dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back and hip areas. This joint is characterized by its strong ligaments, limited movement, and its role in weight-bearing activities.

Synonyms

SI joint, sacroiliac joint.

Examples of usage

  • She experienced pain in her sacroiliac joint during physical therapy.
  • The sacroiliac joint is often involved in lower back pain diagnoses.
  • Chiropractors frequently adjust the sacroiliac joint for pain relief.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The sacroiliac joint connects the base of the spine (sacrum) to the two hip bones (ilium).
  • It's crucial for transferring weight and forces between the upper body and legs, helping us stand and walk.
  • Each person has two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of the body, allowing for stability and movement.

Common Issues

  • Pain in the sacroiliac joint can lead to discomfort in the lower back and legs due to inflammation or injury.
  • Conditions like arthritis or pregnancy can affect this joint, leading to increased stress and pain.
  • Special exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the sacroiliac joint to provide support and reduce pain.

Cultural References

  • Knowledge of the sacroiliac joint plays a vital role in yoga and Pilates, where flexibility and strength are essential.
  • The joint's health is often emphasized in bodywork therapies, where practitioners focus on relieving stress and tension in the lower back area.

Research

  • Recent studies indicate that sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be misdiagnosed as lower back pain, impacting treatment approaches.
  • Research into effective therapies for sacroiliac joint pain is ongoing, with advancements in injection therapies and physical rehabilitation.

Origin of 'sacroiliac'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Latin, where 'sacro' means 'sacred' and 'iliac' refers to the ilium, a part of the hip bone.
  • Historically, the word reflects the importance of the pelvis in human movement and stability.

The term 'sacroiliac' is derived from Latin, where 'sacro' comes from 'sacrum,' the triangular bone at the base of the spine, and 'iliac' refers to the ilium, the uppermost and largest part of the pelvis. The use of the term in medical contexts can be traced back to the early 19th century as anatomical knowledge expanded. Before the formal terminology was established, understanding and treatments related to pelvic and lower back pain were limited. The study of the sacroiliac region gained more attention with advancements in anatomy and physical therapy, leading to the recognition of its importance in biomechanical function and pain management. By the mid-20th century, the sacroiliac joint became a focus area in both orthopedic and chiropractic practices, highlighting its significance in musculoskeletal health.