AN INVESTIGATION OF SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Purpose: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction has been reported to be an important source of low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in participants with chronic low back pain and to investigate the relationship between sacroiliac joint dysfunction and trauma history. Methods: Three hundred twenty-three participants with chronic low back pain, age between 25-60 years (189 females, 134 males; age=47.58 +/- 11.78 years) were included in the study. Demographic data, history of trauma/fall of the participants were recorded. Pain intensity was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Joint provocation and mobility tests were used to evaluate sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Results: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction was detected in 174 (53.9%) of the participants included in the study. The history of trauma/fall was associated with a negative impact on the incidence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction (p=0.001). Pain severity of participants with sacroiliac joint dysfunction was higher than participants without joint dysfunction (p=0.002). Conclusion: Our results showed that participants with chronic low back pain had higher rates of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and participants with joint dysfunction experienced more severe pain. Trauma/fall history increases sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Patients with chronic low back pain should also be investigated in terms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and the treatment program should be planned accordingly.