Majority of women unaware that SI joint issues a leading cause of chronic LBP after pregnancy

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Back painResults of a recent survey of 1,000 women (age 35–60) conducted by SI-Bone found that 86% of respondents are unaware that sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a leading cause of chronic lower back pain for women over 35 who have been pregnant.

Studies have shown that the SI joint is the source of pain in 15–30% of patients with chronic lower back pain and two-thirds of people impacted by the condition are women. The survey revealed that 65% of respondents experience lower back pain and nearly 30% have been dealing with pain for more than ten years. Yet, fewer than one in five women had spoken with a doctor about the possibility of the SI joint being a cause of lower back pain.

“Findings from this survey illustrate the impact of chronic lower back pain on women’s daily lives and that increased awareness of the sources of their pain and access to minimally invasive treatments are needed,” said Bradley Duhon, neurological surgeon in South Denver, USA. “We encourage women living with unresolved lower back pain—especially those who have been pregnant—to proactively seek an evaluation for SI joint dysfunction by a qualified healthcare professional.”

Despite diagnostic advances, women often see multiple doctors for their chronic back pain before finding a cause or treatment option that works for them. The survey found that 87% of respondents who suffer from chronic lower back pain have seen up to four doctors for treatment. Survey respondents also indicated a number of quality of life struggles due to their lower back pain:

  • 43% have difficulty standing up straight, walking or moving from the standing position to the sitting position
  • 43% have difficulty sleeping
  • 36% struggle with anxiety or depression
  • 47% have experienced unwanted weight gain
  • 39% are unable to engage in physical activity
  • 75% want treatment options that will allow them to stop using over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs or opioids

“We are dedicated to developing minimally invasive treatment options to help patients find relief from chronic back pain due to SI joint dysfunction. Quality of life is greatly impacted for those suffering with chronic SI joint pain. We aim to provide programs that both educate people with chronic SI joint pain and provide innovative treatment options that allow them to get back to enjoying their daily lives,” said Jeffrey Dunn, president and CEO of SI-Bone. “Findings from this survey reinforce the impact this condition has on women and the need for increased education and awareness to support proper diagnosis and treatment.”

About the survey

The survey of 1,000 women (35+) from across the United States was sponsored and conducted by SI-Bone in June 2019 to better understand awareness of SI joint dysfunction as a serious health issue for women who struggle with lower back pain as well as to learn about women’s experiences with treatments available for lower back pain. Of those queried, over one-third had been living with back pain for 10 or more years.


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