If you've been following Shannon’s recent saga of "I threw my back out throwing candy at a parade," you may have noticed that she mentioned wearing a sacroiliac (SI) belt.
But what exactly is an SI belt?
What is the sacroiliac joint?
Your sacroiliac joints are located where your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) connects with your pelvis. You have one on each side.
These joints help transfer forces between your upper body and your legs and provide stability to your pelvis as you move.
So what does an SI belt do?
An SI belt is a supportive belt that is worn around the pelvis, usually low around the hips, rather than up around the waist.
The goal is to provide external support and stability around the pelvis and SI joints.
Think of it as giving your pelvis a little extra support while your body is dealing with an injury or irritation.
In her case, I recommended one while she’s recovering from my recent low-back/SI injury.
Does everyone with low-back pain need an SI belt?
No!
An SI belt isn't appropriate for every person with back pain, and simply having low-back pain doesn't automatically mean your SI joints are the problem.
That's why it's important to have your particular situation evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional rather than just ordering a belt because you saw someone wearing one on the internet.
The right support depends on what's actually going on.
And if you're wondering whether an SI belt might be appropriate for you, that's a great question to bring to your chiropractor.
Back pain can be frustrating and recovery doesn't always happen as quickly as we'd like. Sometimes a little support, appropriate care, and a whole lot of patience are part of the process.
And if you're wondering how Shannon ended up needing one?
Let's just say… she decided throwing 300 packets of candy is an extreme sport. You can read that blog post HERE.
This post is for general educational purposes and isn't intended to diagnose or treat any individual condition. If you're experiencing pain or injury, consult an appropriate healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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