Living with lower back pain? The sacroiliac joint might be the culprit.
If you're in Aiken or Hilton Head Island and struggling with persistent lower back pain, there's a chance it may be linked to the sacroiliac (SI) joint—a frequently overlooked source of chronic discomfort. At Novo Wellness Center, our medical team specializes in identifying and treating SI joint dysfunction with a personalized, holistic approach that gets to the root of the pain, not just the symptoms.
The sacroiliac joint is where the spine meets the pelvis. You have two SI joints, one on each side of the lower back, connecting the sacrum (the base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints play a vital role in transferring weight from your upper body to your legs. But when the SI joints become inflamed, misaligned, or overly mobile, they can lead to pain that mimics other conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc.
“SI joint dysfunction accounts for up to 25% of all lower back pain cases,” notes a 2020 study published in Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Yet, it's often misdiagnosed due to symptom overlap with other spinal conditions.
While every case is different, common signs of SI joint issues include:
Pain on one side of the lower back
Pain that worsens when standing or walking
Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
Pain radiating into the buttocks, hips, or upper thighs
Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the pelvis or lower back
For patients in South Carolina—especially those leading active lifestyles in Aiken or coastal communities like Hilton Head—this pain can significantly disrupt daily living.
“The key to managing SI joint pain is an accurate diagnosis and a multifaceted approach to treatment,” says Dr. Eric Novitch, lead clinician at Novo Wellness.
At Novo Wellness, we conduct a detailed physical exam and often utilize diagnostic imaging to confirm SI joint dysfunction. But we also believe that functional diagnostics—evaluating movement patterns, postural alignment, and muscle imbalances—offer a deeper insight into why the pain is occurring.
Sometimes, we use fluoroscopic-guided joint injections as a diagnostic tool. If the injection relieves pain, it confirms the SI joint as the source.
The good news? SI joint dysfunction is highly treatable with non-surgical, regenerative approaches. At our clinics in Aiken and Hilton Head Island, we tailor treatment plans to your specific needs, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Custom exercises targeting the core, glutes, and pelvic stabilizers help restore balance and reduce strain on the SI joint. Our therapists work closely with patients to improve strength and stability in everyday movements.
Hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release and joint mobilization, help realign the pelvis and relieve muscle tension.
We offer image-guided SI joint injections with local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory agents to calm irritated tissues and allow rehabilitation to progress more comfortably.
Novo Wellness is one of the few clinics in South Carolina utilizing cutting-edge regenerative medicine—including biologic therapies using extracellular vesicles. These naturally occurring components aid in cellular repair and tissue modulation. Patients report reduced inflammation and enhanced joint function over time.
Pain in the SI joint can often be worsened by poor posture, weak core muscles, or repetitive stress from work or recreation. Our providers coach patients through tailored lifestyle strategies to reduce flare-ups and improve long-term outcomes.
“Patients from Hilton Head to Aiken are surprised at how much better they feel once they understand the role of the SI joint in their pain,” shares Dr. Novitch.
Surgery is rarely needed for SI joint dysfunction. But in cases where conservative treatments fail, and imaging confirms severe joint damage or instability, SI joint fusion may be discussed as a last resort. At Novo Wellness, we help patients exhaust all less-invasive avenues before considering surgical options.
Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all—and this is especially true for musculoskeletal conditions. At Novo Wellness, we understand the physical demands of life in South Carolina, whether you’re playing golf in Aiken or cycling along Hilton Head’s scenic paths.
Our two conveniently located clinics offer state-of-the-art care in a warm, personalized setting. Patients appreciate the time we take to understand their unique pain patterns and the collaborative care model we use to guide recovery.
“You don’t have to live with chronic SI joint pain. Relief is possible—without surgery, and often faster than you think.”
If you or a loved one suspects SI joint dysfunction, don’t wait. Call our Aiken clinic at 803-642-6500 or our Hilton Head location at 843-836-5800 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
