4 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The findings from this project may result in pain reduction and improved mobility in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain in their second and third trimester.
The purpose of this study is to see if pelvic girdle pain can be more effectively treated with the use of injectable anti-inflammatory medication plus physical therapy compared with physical therapy and a saline injection.
During pregnancy, women often experience musculoskeletal pain, specifically in their low back and/or pelvic girdle. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is defined as pain between the posterior iliac crest and gluteal fold, particularly in the region of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ)1. Although it is often referred to as "sciatica". PGP in pregnancy is common with prevalence estimates of 45%2. Previous studies have found that one third of patients will rate their PGP intensity as severe, leading to functional impairments. Functional disabilities include sitting, walking, and standing; thus, significantly impacting the ability of patients to perform routine daily activities. This pain has been reported to develop as early as 17-19 weeks' gestation, lasting up to 3 months postpartum; with a peak incidence of 24-36 weeks. The etiology of PGP in pregnant women is still not fully understood, largely due to the complex interactions between bone, ligaments, fascia, and muscles in the pelvic joints3. Some studies suggest the increased mobility of the joints in the pelvic girdle during pregnancy due to relaxing cause a lack of stabilization in the sacroiliac region, which results in pain4. Thus, it is hypothesized that providing stabilization of the joints with an external force, such as a maternity or SIJ belt, will improve pain.
The subjects will undergo a specific physical exam of tests reported to be diagnostic of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain prior to receiving the routine injection in the SIJ that which is being performed as part of their normal medical care. Routine care involves use of any number of these tests, but doesn't routinely include assessment of all 6 tests in all patient's treatment. The subject will fill out a Visual Analog Scale for pain and a pain drawing prior to and after the injection. The tests will be repeated after the injection. The investigators propose to investigate a cluster of tests proposed by Laslett as well as compare the results of the ASLR and the Gillet Test both before and after SIJ injection to determine the validity of these tests in a low back patients presenting for injections thought to be from the sacroiliac joint. The secondary purpose would be the development of a clinical predictor rule to determine examination characteristics of patients who may benefit from intraarticular injections of the SIJ.