Can back pain caused by symptom-giving sacroiliac joint relaxation ...

1.3.4. Symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation (PGR)
This concept is largely used in the Scandinavian region. It does not specify which
joints are concerned. [17, 2, 37, 57]
Symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation is defined as a condition developing during
pregnancy or delivery and is characterized by disabling pain located to the SIJs
and/or the pubic symphysis. No objective criteria exist to confirm the diagnosis which
is therefore one of exclusion. [29 p.105]
PGR can start to show in the first trimester; however, normally it does not occur
before the fifth to eighth month of pregnancy. In most cases the symptoms disappear
immediately after delivery, while in some cases the problems last for several more
months. [29]
The study of Larsen (1999) [29] shows an incidence of 14 % during pregnancy for
PGR, and 4 % still have problems during six more months after pregnancy, which are
then called "pelvic joint syndrome".
1.3.5. Pelvic joint syndrome (PJS)
PJS often occurs after delivery as a consequence of PGR during pregnancy. Women
with PJS suffer from constant and daily pain episodes located to the pelvis and
symphysis pubis. The pain varies in intensity and strength and is enhanced by
walking, when lifting light loads and when changing position. The pain in the joints is
very often accompanied by uncharacteristic radiating pain to the gluteal region and
thigh. The diagnosis is based on medical history. Thus, no objective criteria exist to
confirm the condition. [17 p.170]
Master’s Thesis Wolfgang Aspalter 23