【Fan Letter】Mr. Li, who is 48 years old this year, although not considered old, has been troubled by back pain for the past 5 years. He is a dedicated bus driver, spending most of his working time sitting and driving. So when the pain first appeared, he thought it was just caused by long hours of sitting, which did not concern him much. In his spare time, he would also do some stretching exercises hoping to relieve the pain, but this method did not have much effect. Although the pain would temporarily lessen after each rest, it would reappear as soon as he resumed work.
As time passed, the symptoms of back pain worsened, and he could not find relief even when resting. The frequency of pain also increased, making Mr. Li realize the severity of the issue. Therefore, he decided to go to the hospital for a professional examination. The results of the examination shocked him; it turned out that his back pain was not due to prolonged sitting posture but was caused by lumbar disc herniation.
Sacroiliac pain is a common physical discomfort that many people may overlook. Sacroiliac pain may be a signal of problems in other parts of the body.
I. Relationship between Sacroiliac and Health
Before understanding the causes of “sacroiliac pain,” we first need to understand the importance of the sacroiliac in the human body. The sacroiliac is a key skeletal structure that connects the torso and lower limbs, playing a crucial role. It is connected to the pelvis bone through the hip joint, enabling us not only to maintain standing, walking, and running but also to support body balance.
In daily life, the sacroiliac bears the weight of the body, playing a critical role in supporting and stabilizing the body. Whether walking on flat ground or running and jumping, the sacroiliac provides crucial support. It is also closely related to many important physiological functions, such as muscle movement control, joint stability, and overall movement coordination.
II. Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis is a common joint disease, mainly characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the hip joint, usually caused by a combination of various factors. These factors include age, osteoporosis, overuse of joints, genetic factors, among others. With the increasing trend of population aging, the prevalence of hip arthritis is gradually rising.
In the early stages of hip arthritis, there may not be obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may feel pain and discomfort in the hip, especially during prolonged walking, running, or sitting. This pain tends to worsen gradually and may spread to the thigh, knee, or even the lower back. Patients may also experience joint stiffness, especially more noticeable in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. As the condition advances, the function of the hip joint is affected, leading to instability in gait, mobility difficulties, and even the inability to perform normal daily activities.
III. Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom of pain caused by compression or damage to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body, originating from the lumbar spine and sacrum, responsible for transmitting sensation and movement functions of most of the lower limbs. When the sciatic nerve is damaged or compressed, it can cause radiating pain from the buttocks to the legs, sometimes even spreading to the feet.
The main causes of sciatica include disc herniation and spinal joint disorders. Intervertebral discs are soft cartilaginous tissues located between the vertebrae; their protrusion or herniation may compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and inflammation. In addition, disorders of the spinal joints may also cause nerve compression, resulting in similar symptoms.
Common symptoms of sciatica include radiating pain in the buttocks and legs, often described as sharp or burning. This pain may start from the lower back or buttocks and extend down the back of the thigh, reaching the knee and foot. Patients may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower limbs, affecting daily activities and walking.
IV. Fractures
The type and severity of sacral fractures vary depending on the extent of injury. In general, sacral fractures are classified into two types: femoral neck fractures and femoral shaft fractures. Femoral neck fractures occur at the proximal end of the femur and are more common, especially in the elderly. Femoral shaft fractures are located in the middle part of the femur and are mostly caused by severe external trauma. The severity depends on the stability and position of the fracture, and may involve displacement and misalignment of fracture fragments.
Distinguishing sacral fractures from pain caused by other conditions is crucial. Since sacral fractures are often accompanied by severe pain and swelling, sometimes with abnormal positioning of the lower limbs, they can be easily confused with other bone injuries. For patients suspected of having a sacral fracture, doctors usually perform a detailed physical examination and may conduct imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to diagnose the type and severity of the fracture.
V. Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation is a common problem in spinal diseases that may compress the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms of “sciatica.” Intervertebral discs are located between spinal bones, serving a cushioning and supporting role. When a disc is damaged or herniated, it may compress surrounding nerve roots, particularly the sciatic nerve, leading to the occurrence of sciatica.
The main causes of lumbar disc herniation include age and injuries during daily activities. With age, intervertebral discs may gradually degenerate, losing their elasticity and cushioning capacity, making them susceptible to damage. Moreover, prolonged sitting, poor posture, excessive exertion, and lack of exercise during daily activities may also increase the risk of disc damage.
Typical symptoms of lumbar disc herniation include lower back pain, radiating leg pain, and muscle weakness. Lower back pain usually occurs at the site of disc herniation, accompanied by a persistent sense of compression and intensifying pain. Radiating leg pain is due to compression of the sciatic nerve, typically starting from the buttocks, extending along the back of the thigh, and reaching the calf and toes. Compression of the sciatic nerve may also cause muscle weakness, affecting leg movement and flexibility.
It is crucial to pay attention to sacroiliac health, recognize early symptoms, seek medical help proactively, and take effective preventive measures. Only in this way can we protect our precious body and sacroiliac health, and enjoy a better life.
