SI Joint

After my appointment with Dr. Burrup on Monday, I got a call from the Physical Therapist that he referred me to.  Today was my first appointment.  As the doctor came in, asking about my history, he started having me do all sorts of "tests" to see what was going on.  I did a number of "tests", ruling out neurological issues, and broken bones.  I never thought it was any of those things, so I wasn't too shocked when he said it wasn't that.  At one point, he had me face away from him, and while putting his fingers on the top of my hip bones, he had me lift each knee to the ceiling.  He gave an audible "Ah, there it is," and had me do a few more "tests" of a similar nature. 

"Stephanie, you have Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction."  And then he gave me three exercises to do at home-- 10 reps, holding for 10 seconds each, three times each day, to begin my treatment.  In 15 minutes of meeting with him, I had a diagnosis and exercises to help strengthen my muscles in my hips, glutes, core, and back.  I got more useful information in those mere minutes, as opposed to seven months and over 25 appointments with the chiropractor.  I burst into tears in the parking lot.  We already know I'm a crier, but this time it was tears of hope.  He told me that I'd learn all necessary tools in a month, but that the treatment would only work if I was willing to continue them diligently at home.  After months of actually wishing my back would just break-- believe me, I'm ready to be diligent!

I came home and began some serious research.  I have read so much about it, but still don't feel as if I know exactly what to do.  I'm glad that someone that has a doctorate will be able to help me-- it still feels very overwhelming.  And, gosh dang it, I've had 4.25 days of exercising, and I don't have a six pack core or a healed back-- What's up with that?!

I have also received the radiology report for my x-ray-- in addition to the SI Joint stuff, I also have Lumbar Lordosis.  Basically, I have too much of an inward curve in my spine near my belt line.  It makes sense, since this is the area that I have often wished would just "pop back into place," or "break."  Both are most likely caused by childbearing.  I blame the kids.  The money to get me back to normal will now come out of their inheritance.  Sorry kids, you are now poor.

I'm glad to know a little more about what is causing me so much pain.  I'm glad to know that I will be equipped with the necessary tools to work towards a better, hopefully pain-free life.  Let's do this!