Is It SI Joint Pain or Sciatica? Get the Right Diagnosis in Sugar Land TX

At Modern Pain Management, serving Sugar Land and the greater Houston area, our specialists carefully evaluate lower back and leg pain to determine whether it stems from sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction or sciatica. Because these conditions share similar symptoms but require different treatments, we use a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to ensure accuracy and effective care.

Comprehensive Consultation and History

Your visit begins with an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, pain location, and medical history. Our board-certified physicians assess triggers, previous injuries, and prior treatments to determine whether your pain originates from the SI joint or sciatic nerve irritation.

Targeted Physical Examination

We perform focused tests, including the FABER and Gaenslen’s tests for SI joint dysfunction and the straight leg raise test for sciatica, to identify the precise pain source.

Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Injections

X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to visualize joint or nerve issues. In some cases, a diagnostic SI joint injection under X-ray guidance confirms the exact source of pain.

Personalized Treatment Plans

With accurate diagnosis, our team develops individualized treatment plans—ranging from physical therapy and regenerative options to minimally invasive procedures—helping you find lasting relief and improved mobility.

At Modern Pain Management, we treat patients with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and sciatica—two frequent causes of lower back, buttock, and leg discomfort. SI joint pain often arises from inflammation or dysfunction in the joint connecting the sacrum and pelvis. Common triggers include trauma, repetitive stress, pregnancy-related changes, and degenerative issues like osteoarthritis or inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Sciatica, which causes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the legs, often results from a herniated or slipped lumbar disc pressing on nerve roots. Other causes may include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or piriformis syndrome. Because SI joint dysfunction can sometimes irritate the sciatic nerve, symptoms may overlap, making precise diagnosis essential.

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques—such as detailed physical exams and imaging studies—to pinpoint the exact source of pain. Treatment plans are personalized and may include targeted physical therapy, minimally invasive injections, regenerative therapies, or advanced interventional procedures. At Modern Pain Management, our goal is to relieve your pain, restore mobility, and help you return to an active, comfortable lifestyle with safe, evidence-based care.

A precise diagnosis at Modern Pain Management in Sugar Land, TX, is essential for identifying the most effective treatments for conditions like SI joint pain and sciatica. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms—such as lower back pain that radiates to the hips, buttocks, or legs—but the sources of pain differ. The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis, and dysfunction here can cause localized discomfort. In contrast, sciatica results from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to issues like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
 
At Modern Pain Management, our experienced medical providers utilize a thorough diagnostic process. This includes taking a comprehensive medical history, performing a detailed physical examination, and using advanced imaging tools like X-rays or MRI scans when necessary. This careful evaluation allows us to accurately distinguish between SI joint dysfunction and nerve-related pain such as sciatica.
 
By pinpointing the root cause of your pain, our team can develop a customized treatment plan. Options may include physical therapy, medication management, targeted minimally invasive injections, or other interventional procedures designed to address your specific condition. An accurate diagnosis not only helps avoid unnecessary treatments but also increases your chances of experiencing long-term pain relief and improved daily function.

At Modern Pain Management in Sugar Land, TX, your evaluation for possible sacroiliac (SI) joint pain or sciatica focuses on finding the true cause of your discomfort and developing a personalized plan for lasting relief. During your consultation, our pain specialists will discuss your symptoms in detail—when they began, where the pain is located, and what worsens or improves it. We’ll also review your medical history, prior injuries, surgeries, and past treatments to understand your condition fully.

A focused physical exam follows, assessing your lower back, hips, and legs. You may be asked to perform specific movements to help distinguish between SI joint dysfunction and sciatica. If necessary, imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs may be ordered, or diagnostic injections into the SI joint may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Your physician will clearly explain findings and collaborate with you on a customized treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, medications, or minimally invasive procedures—all aimed at restoring comfort and improving your daily function.

At Modern Pain Management, Dr. George Atallah provides personalized, evidence-based care for sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and sciatica. Using advanced diagnostics, he tailors treatments to each patient’s needs. For SI joint pain, Dr. Atallah offers image-guided corticosteroid injections, minimally invasive procedures, and comprehensive pain management strategies refined through his fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. For sciatica, he employs advanced imaging, targeted epidural or radiofrequency treatments, and collaborative surgical care when needed. His holistic, team-based approach combines medical precision, physical therapy, and lifestyle guidance to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
 
At Modern Pain Management, your comfort and recovery are our top priorities. If you’re experiencing SI joint pain or sciatica, schedule a consultation with our experienced team and take the first step toward a pain-free life. Contact us today or book an online appointment with our pain specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 12930 Dairy Ashford Rd #501-504, Sugar Land, TX 77478. We serve patients from Sugar Land TX, Houston TX, Pearland TX, Jersey Village TX, Missouri City TX, Stafford TX, and Richmond TX.