I wonder if there is anyone out there that can advise me. I have suffered from sacrolilitis for 4 years now, and have had several steroid injections into my SI joints which only seem to help for anything between 2-6 months. I have also undergone denervation which exacerbated the pain even more. Other treatments I have tried include neuromodulation,physiotherapy and pain physiotherapy none of which have been beneficial. The pain can be very emotionally draining, and I am in desperate search of a long term solution as the pain is impeding on my life. Anyone got any suggestions?

Sacroiliitis is the name given to inflammation between the sacrum (the big triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) and the iliac bone (often incorrectly called the "hipbone".

The whole weight of the body is carried down the bones of the spine and therefore through the sacrum. Unfortunately, there is nothing beneath this to hold it up directly. Instead, the sacrum is held in place by the 2 iliac bones - the three bones together forming the pelvis or pelvic ring.

The junction between the sacrum and the iliac bone on each side is large and rough and is called the sacroiliac joint.

This is usually very tight and very well held together by ligaments. In women, the pelvic ring is wider putting more strain across this joint. Being overweight will also put more strain across this joint. This joint is also loosened during pregnancy as the hormones of pregnancy loosen it, allowing the pelvis to expand a little during childbirth.

Many women suffer from sacroiliitis particularly after pregnancy, but usually it settles with rest, weight loss and then gentle physiotherapy.

If none of these points are relevant for you, you should either see a back specialist or a pain specialist. You will be able to find these under the relevant sections on medical pages.