In many cases lower back pain is caused by two joints in our lower back. These joints are called Sacroiliac joints. Some people may know these as back dimples or where our ilium (hip bone) attaches to our Sacrum (bottom portion of our spine). Of course there can be many causes of back pain, although this is one that is seen very often especially during and after pregnancy. This discomfort can be felt on one side or from both joints. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction pain usually radiates up into the lower back and/or down the back of the legs. The pain down the back of the legs differs from sciatic pain as it only goes down to the knee, where sciatic goes down to the foot.
When these joints are sore, they are inflamed and rubbing together, causing pain. In many cases these bones are being pulled in different directions because of imbalances in the muscles. One side is too tight and pulling the other. Another possible cause is improper breathing. If the ribs cannot expand, pressure from inhaling is pushed down. The body is not made for this and the pressure needs somewhere to go. This causes the SI joint to expand and move where it normally would not.
It is important to address these imbalances and work to balance the muscles. Decreasing single leg exercises is important, as well as introducing breathing exercises and increasing thoracic spine mobility.