The human body is a masterpiece of structures. One of the most important components in the lower back region is the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). While many people may not be familiar with this term, it plays a notable role in various medical practices, especially for spine doctors and surgeons. This blog post will break down the anatomy of the PSIS, its function, and how it relates to spinal health. If you are looking for a spine doctor in Delhi, going through this blog post will help you understand a few things before making a decision.
What is the Posterior Superior Iliac Spine?
The posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) is a bony prominence found on the pelvis. It is located at the back of the iliac bone, part of the pelvis. The PSIS is situated just above the sacroiliac joint and can be felt on the body’s surface at the lower back, especially if you place your hands on your hips. If you press gently, you will find a small bump on either side of your back, the PSIS.
The PSIS helps doctors and surgeons locate and understand the alignment of the pelvis and spine. It is also a critical point for administering sacroiliac joint injections or performing a bone marrow biopsy. When you consult a spine specialist in Dwarka, they will perform a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose you.
Role of the PSIS in Our Bodies
The PSIS doesn’t do much alone but is an important marker for doctors. It gives them a reference point to understand the alignment and health of the pelvis and spine. The pelvic region supports the upper body’s weight while allowing movement. The PSIS helps spine doctors assess the balance of the pelvis, which can affect walking, sitting posture, and even how we stand.
The PSIS is also part of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the lower limbs. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back, hips, and legs. This condition is known as sacroiliitis, and a spine doctor in Delhi may often treat it by targeting the PSIS for injections or adjustments.
Importance of the PSIS in Medical
The PSIS is important to diagnose and treat patients in Delhi. Centre for Brain and Spine uses PSIS in health care for:
- Spinal Injections and Pain Management: A neurosurgeon in Delhi uses the PSIS to guide injections into the sacroiliac joint for patients with chronic lower back pain. These injections reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions like arthritis or injury to the joint.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: The PSIS is a common site for extracting bone marrow samples. A biopsy diagnoses blood disorders for cancers. The PSIS delivers a large surface area, making it easier to obtain a sample with less pain for the patient.
- Surgical Reference: Spinal surgery specialists use the PSIS as a reference point for procedures like the insertion of screws in the pelvis. This stabilises the pelvis after fractures or other traumatic injuries.
- Posture and Gait: A misalignment of the PSIS can cause issues with posture or walking. This can be particularly noticeable if the pelvis tilts or rotates, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in movement. A spine specialist in Dwarka may assess the PSIS for potential adjustments or treatments to restore balance.
What Causes PSIS Pain?
Patients experience pain in the PSIS region for many different reasons. The most common reasons include:
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: This occurs when the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis, becomes inflamed or misaligned. The pain affects the lower back and hips and can radiate down the legs.
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles around the PSIS, such as the glutes and lower back muscles, can lead to discomfort or pain in the region.
- Pregnancy: Due to the changes in the body’s structure during pregnancy, the sacroiliac joint and surrounding areas may experience stress, leading to PSIS discomfort.
- Pelvic Injuries: Fractures or trauma to the pelvis can also result in pain or inflammation around the PSIS, often requiring surgical intervention.
For those experiencing pain around the PSIS, it is important to consult a spine doctor in Delhi or a neurosurgeon in Delhi to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent long-term discomfort or complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment of PSIS Issues
If you experience pain in the PSIS region, the first step is to consult with a spine specialist in Dwarka to perform a physical examination to check for tenderness, misalignment, or inflammation in the area. Spine doctors may use X-rays and Spine MRI scans to get a detailed image of the pelvis and spine.
The options for treatment depend on the causes of pain. Treatment option includes:
- Doctors may recommend certain exercises and stretches to relieve tension and improve lower back and pelvis movement.
- Corticosteroid injections or other pain-relieving injections may reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Doctors may provide patients with pain relievers like NSAIDs to manage discomfort. Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, may be prescribed to manage discomfort.
- Surgical involvement may be necessary to address structural issues in the spine and the pelvis when the cases are severe.
Patients with chronic back pain must consult a spine specialist in Dwarka for early diagnosis. Centre for Brain and Spine will treat your symptoms and restore your quality of life through physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nagesh Chandra, contact us today.