Understanding the SI Joint in Chiropractic Care
At Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic, many patients come in with questions about the SI joint, short for sacroiliac joint. This joint connects your sacrum (tailbone) to your ilium (hip bone) and is located along your belt line, just off the midline of your lower back.
When misaligned, the SI joint can cause pain when walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair. It’s often confused with sciatica, but the two are not the same.
How Chiropractors Check the SI Joint
One of the first evaluations we perform is the Derefield check. By looking at leg length and how it changes when the knees are bent, we can determine if the sacrum or SI joint is involved.
With today’s digital X-rays and specialized software, we can measure pelvic alignment with precision, ensuring a proper diagnosis before recommending treatment.
The Role of the Righting Reflex
Your body naturally works to keep your eyes level with the horizon, a mechanism called the righting reflex. If your pelvis shifts, your spine compensates to maintain balance. This often means SI joint pain isn’t the primary issue—it’s usually a response to other misalignments, such as in the lower back or neck.
That’s why we don’t adjust the SI joint first. Instead, we address the entire spine and then recheck the SI joint once your body has had a chance to rebalance.
SI Joint Adjustments and Techniques
When the SI joint itself is the problem, chiropractic adjustments restore movement. Techniques include gentle drop-table adjustments, which most patients hardly feel, and more direct adjustments if necessary.
Athletes—like the Rockford IceHogs hockey players we care for—often experience true SI joint fixations. Office workers, however, usually feel referred pain from misalignments elsewhere in the spine.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
Some patients are told they have a “short leg” and are given shoe lifts without proper imaging. This can worsen SI joint problems if the real cause is pelvic rotation.
That’s why standing pelvic X-rays are essential. At our clinic, advanced digital imaging provides exact measurements, making treatment safer and more effective.
Don’t Ignore SI Joint Pain
Masking pain with injections or temporary fixes doesn’t address the root cause. Chiropractic care looks at the entire spine and pelvis to identify what’s really going on. Many patients find relief without even needing a direct SI joint adjustment.
At Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic, we specialize in finding and fixing the source of SI joint pain—not just treating the symptoms.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
🎙️ This blog is based on an episode of the Ask the Chiropractor Podcast, where Dr. Brant Hulsebus explains SI joint care in depth.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’re experiencing SI joint pain or lower back discomfort, schedule a visit with us at Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic. Let our team evaluate your spine, check for misalignments, and help you find lasting relief.