Pelvic Joint Pain

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Did you know that 18-30% of lower back pain has a pelvic component? That means roughly a quarter of the population has pain related to the hip and pelvis. Let’s find out more about it.

Low back and pelvic pain when walking and sitting?

The pelvis distributes upper body load to the legs through the hip. This means pelvic dysfunction may results in lower back, buttocks pain, or pelvic girdle pain, during everyday activities like walking and sitting. The area might get this pain due to pelvic injuries through trauma like a fall or kicking sports, or from pregnancy & post-partum, or from osteoarthritis.  


Commonly, pain in the lower back and pelvic joint occurs as a result of altered joint biomechanics at either the pubic symphysis or sacro-iliac joints, or results from lumbo pelvic muscle imbalance or inactivation. 


Pelvis Anatomy 

  • The Sacrum forms the posterior pelvic wall and strengthens and stabilises the pelvis 
  • The Sacroiliac Joints (SIJ) where your low spine and pelvis connect 
  • Many ligaments 
  • Posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia 
  • Many stabiliser muscles 

How do I know if I have pelvic joint dysfunction? 

At Physio Inq Sutherland we see people with pelvic or lumbar disc injuries, which alter core muscle activation, resulting in unstable pelvic alignment and pelvic, hip, groin, or low back pain. Our Physiotherapists can perform functional pelvic assessment and gait analysis, to work out where the issue is coming from and what is causing it; then make a treatment plan for your individual needs. 

Is it a fixated joint or a compressed joint or insufficient articular compression?

Depending on the assessment, diagnosis and presentation: 

  • We might treat with specific manipulation & mobilisations 
  • We might release and retrain overactive / overcompensating muscles 
  • We might build up strength in weak muscles 
  • We might work on optimal gluteal muscle activation  
  • We might use passive stabilisation, like taping and belts 
  • We might use myofascial releases and stretch techniques


If you have an acute pelvic injury; chronic lower back pain, or chronic pelvic girdle pain, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Physiotherapists for an assessment and treatment plan. Call us today or book online for your next appointment. 

Physio Inq Written on behalf of Physio Inq Sutherland

Share the article