Sacral Torsion Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Correction, Exercises

A condition known as sacral torsion occurs when the triangle bone at the base of the spine, the sacrum, twists or rotates in proportion to the rest of the spine. The lower back and hips may experience pain or discomfort as a result of this disorder, which may also impair the hip, pelvic, and lower back joints' ability to function properly.

Many conditions, including trauma, muscular imbalances, and underlying pelvic or spinal abnormalities, can lead to the development of sacral torsion. Physical examination is a common method of diagnosis, during which a medical expert may look for pelvic or spinal asymmetry or misalignment.

Symptoms

Pain around the piriformis origin at the lateral border of the sacrum is one of the symptoms of sacral torsion. Other symptoms include sciatic pain in the hips and/or backs of the thighs that feels hot, intense, and stabbing and may involve tingling and numbness rigidity, and exacerbated discomfort with flexing, bending, and lifting motions.

Diagnosis

Sacral torsion is usually diagnosed after a thorough examination and assessment of the patient's medical history. During the physical examination, tests like the distraction test, thigh thrust test, and direct palpation of the SI joint may be carried out. Sacroiliac joint syndrome should be treated with manual therapy methods including anterior and posterior iliac rotation manipulation, which have been found to reduce pain and functional dysfunction in patients with low back pain.

Correction

Torsion of the sacrum can lead to discomfort in the hips and lower back. It happens when the sacrum and SIJ rotate around oblique axes, which leads to sacral dysfunctions like torsions. Osteopathic manipulative methods, such as the muscle energy procedure technique (MEPT), counter strain therapy for sacral tender points and sacral torsion, and osteotomy or other manipulations to realign the sacrum, are used to diagnose and treat sacral dysfunctions. With MEPT, the patient is positioned to lie on their side opposing the sacral rotation, and the lower arm is then pulled out to initiate side bending and rotation of the lumbar spine, which engages the sacral muscles. Counterstrain is performed by holding the patient's right ankle just above the malleoli in both hands, abducting the ankle, and internally twisting the patient's body to gap the ipsilateral SI joint. In order to realign the sacrum, pressure must be applied to it until it shifts posteriorly.

Exercises

It's crucial to remember that if you think you could have sacral torsion, you should first speak with a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, who can correctly diagnose the condition and give you specialized exercises catered to your unique requirements. Nonetheless, the following general exercises could be useful for sacral torsion:

Pelvic tilt

The pelvic tilt is done by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Get your lower back as flat as possible by contracting your abdominal muscles and pressing your feet firmly into the ground. Hold for a short while, then let go and do it again.

Hip flexor stretch

Stretching the hip flexors involves kneeling while placing the other foot flat on the ground in front of you. As the hip flexor in the kneeling leg begins to feel tight, shift your weight forward. Repeat on the opposite side after 30 seconds of holding.

Glute bridge

To perform the glute bridge, proceed by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet positioned firmly on the ground. Squeeze your glutes as you raise your hips upward and toward the ceiling. Lower down again, and do it again.

Knee-to-chest stretch

To perform the knee-to-chest stretch, initiate by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet positioned firmly on the ground. Hold onto your leg or shin and raise one knee slowly towards your chest. Repeat on the opposite side after 30 seconds of holding.