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Back and Joint Pain, Treatment Modalities and Aids
Can a SIJ Belt Help My Lower Back Pain?
The Role of the Sacroiliac Joint in Lower Back Pain
The sacroiliac joints are the connections between the pelvis with the sacrum at the base of the spine. They provide stability, act as a shock absorber for the spine and assist with load transfer between the spine and the lower extremities. Studies have shown that the sacroiliac joints can be a significant cause of biomechanical low back pain with an incidence as high as 27%. Wearing a SIJ belt can be an effective way to help manage pain in this area.
During pregnancy, due to the release of the hormone relaxin, the ligaments around the sacroiliac joints become looser to allow widening of the pelvis to facilitate delivery. Because of this, as well as increased lumbar lordosis, SI joint pain is common during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain radiating into the groin or lateral thigh
- Increased pain when getting out of a chair
- Worsening pain with prolonged sitting
- Pain with walking upstairs
- Stiffness on a morning
How can a SIJ belt help?
Several studies have been done to determine the effectiveness of the use of sacroiliac joint belts and many have found that wearing a sacroiliac belt, like the Serola belt, can lead to a reduction in pain, particularly with manual labour tasks. Participants who were part of a 6-week study using sacroiliac belts had improved walking cadence and postural steadiness while wearing the belts.
The Serola Sacroiliac belt has a patented design which limits excess motion by providing the right amount of tension. It works by compressing the soft tissues just enough that when the joint opens, it stops at normal end of range. The belt provides stability at the base of the spine and helps to keep the pelvis in alignment. Serola belts are relatively inexpensive and do not cause any adverse effects related to lower back pain.
What other conditions can an SIJ belt help with?
You may experience a decrease in pain with the following conditions while using the Serola belt:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Hip pain
- Lower back and pelvic pain related to pregnancy
- Sciatica
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal subluxations
- Facet joint syndrome
- Disc herniation
- Scoliosis
How to Wear a Serola Belt
The Serola sacroiliac belt should be worn low around the hips to support the ligaments of the sacroiliac joint. To put the belt on, locate the crease at the front of the hip by lifting your leg, place the bottom of the belt there, with the middle seam of the belt in the centre line of your back. Tighten the belt until it is secure but comfortable. When fitted Correctly, the Serola belt should allow free movement through full range. An assessment with a physiotherapist can help to determine whether you are a good candidate for a Serola belt and a physio will be able to assist with fitting of the belt.
CITATIONS
- Hammer N, Möbius R, Schleifenbaum S, et al. Pelvic belt effects on health outcomes and functional parameters of patients with sacroiliac joint pain. PLoS One. 2015;10(8) doi: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0136375
- Serola Biomechanics. Serola Sacroiliac Belt. Serola Biomechanics. https://w ww . serola. net /. Accessed March 28, 2025.
