If you have buttock pain and lower back pain, it's possible you sacroiliitis. This condition happens when the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis become inflamed.

Sacroiliitis can be hard to identify. Symptoms are not much different from a herniated disk, strained muscles and sciatica. A disease called spondyloarthropathies also has similar symptoms. Spondyloarthropathies is a cause of inflammatory arthritis in the spine.

Someone with sacroiliitis is likely to experience buttock pain, back stiffness,and possibly pain in the thighs. Other symptoms can include an inflammatory skin condition called psoriasis, a fever and inflammation in one or both eyes.

Someone with this condition will find it painful to walk, and will probably limp.

There are many things that can cause sacroiliitis. Often, it results from an accident or incident that injures the spine, pelvis, buttocks or lower back. Pregnant women sometimes get sacroiliitis because the weight of the growing fetus strains the lower back. Arthritis associated with spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative arthritis can also cause it.

There are number of possibilities to consider in treating sacroiliitis. The best option depends on how severe the condition has become.

Rest is appropriate in all cases. Your body needs time to heal itself. Rest also reduces the possibility of making the condition worse.

Exercises will help reduce pain while increasing your range of motion.

Several kinds of medications are appropriate for treating sacroiliitis. Typically, these medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs corticosteroids, and TNF inhibitors.

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also extremely effective for relieving pain by reducing swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs are safe, but they sometimes cause side effects, so they should be used cautiously. Side effects include stomach bleeding, indigestion, high blood pressure and kidney and liver damage. Some people are more likely to experience a stroke or heart attack when they take NSAIDs, so always consult your doctor first.

Naproxen and indomethacin are two carieties of NSAIDs that are often used to treat sacroiliitis.

DMARDs are another type of medication that's used to limit joint damage. DMARD is an abbreviation for disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. They work best when used in the early stages because they retard the progress of the disease and help prevent permanent joint damage.

Corticosteroids reduce pain and inflammation. They also slow joint damage, but shouldn't be used for extended periods of time because they can cause serious side effects.

Finally, there's a class of drugs known as TNF inhibitors. These block a cell protein that can cause inflammation, which can help reduce some of the stiffness, swelling and pain.

Unfortunately, these medications can cost a lot of money, so they’re usually used only as a last resort.

However, sometimes buttock pain and back pain caused by sacroiliitis can be so extreme that patients feel the the expense is justified.

Many people who suffer aches and pains as they get older simply assume such discomfort is a natural part of getting older. This can be a dangerous assumption. Anyone suffering any type of back pain or buttock pain, especially sacroiliitis should see their physician for a diagnosis.

As is the case with so many other diseases, sacroiliitis is easier to treat in the beginning before permanent joint damage occurs.