Sacroiliitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Sacroiliitis is a painful swelling of one or both of your sacroiliac joints that lasts at least 3 months. The sacroiliac joint connects your pelvis to the base of your spine.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

Ask for more information about these and other medicines you may need to treat sacroiliitis:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. You may be given the medicine as a pill to swallow or as a lotion that you put on the painful area.
• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Muscle relaxers help decrease pain and muscle spasms.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Physical therapy:

Your healthcare provider may suggest physical therapy. Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to improve posture (the way you stand and sit), flexibility, and strength in your lower back. The therapist may also teach you how to remain safely active and prevent more injury. Follow the exercise plan given to you by your physical therapist.

Rest:

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how much rest you should get. Avoid activity that worsens your pain.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Ice or heat packs:

Use ice or heat packs on the sore area of your body to decrease the pain and swelling. Put ice in a plastic bag covered with a towel on your low back. Cover heated items with a towel to avoid burns. Use ice and heat as directed.

Follow up with your healthcare provider or spine specialist within 1 to 2 weeks:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your healthcare provider or spine specialist if:

• Your pain makes it hard for you to do your daily activities, such as work or school.
• Your pain does not go away after treatment.
• You feel depressed or anxious.
• You have questions about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have a fever.
• Your pain is worse than before.
• Your pain prevents you from sleeping.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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