Many people in Hervey Bay experience SIJ pain, and acupuncture is commonly used as part of their overall care plan.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain involves aching or sharp discomfort at the back of the pelvis where the spine meets the hips. It often worsens with standing, walking uphill, or changing positions.
is estimated to contribute to 15–30% of persistent lower back pain cases in adults.
Source: Cohen et al., 2013
to experience SIJ-related pain due to anatomical and hormonal factors.
Source: Vleeming et al., 2012
with SIJ pain report difficulty with sitting, standing and walking for long periods.
Source: Laslett, 2008
The Acupuncture Evidence Project reports evidence for acupuncture across several musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back and pelvic-related pain.
Other research has explored how acupuncture may influence pain pathways, muscle tension and local circulation, which are often discussed in relation to sacroiliac joint discomfort.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain affects the area where the spine meets the pelvis. It often creates aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back, buttock, or groin. Many people notice increased discomfort when standing up, walking uphill, or changing positions after sitting.
The sacroiliac joints sit on each side of the spine, linking the sacrum to the pelvic bones. These joints help transfer weight between the upper body and legs, so irritation in this region can feel quite intense. SIJ pain may arise from joint strain, altered movement patterns, uneven loading, pregnancy, or surrounding soft tissue tension.
Symptoms often overlap with lower back pain, making it important to rule out muscular, spinal or hip-related causes.
People with SIJ pain often describe difficulty with common movements. Tasks like sitting for long periods, getting out of the car, standing in queues, or walking for exercise may feel harder than they should.
Some people also notice discomfort during sleep when turning over or when weight shifts unevenly through the pelvis.
In mainstream settings, SIJ pain is typically assessed through physical examination and movement tests. Treatment can include pain-relief medication, anti-inflammatory strategies, physiotherapy, guided exercise, or in some cases, image-guided injections.
Doctors often focus on restoring movement, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the surrounding muscles to stabilise the pelvis.
Acupuncture is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions, including pain involving the pelvis and lower back. During a session, fine sterile needles are placed at points chosen to support your presentation. The aim is to ease tension, encourage local circulation, and support the body’s natural processes.
Some people look to acupuncture alongside other care because it may help with symptoms such as stiffness, aching, and restricted movement. You can read more about how I practise acupuncture here: acupuncture. I may also draw from principles of Chinese medicine or discuss whether herbal medicine seems suitable for your broader pattern.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, SIJ pain may relate to imbalances in qi, blood or the functional systems that govern the lower back and pelvis. Patterns often involve stagnation, cold, dampness, or deficiency, depending on the individual. The goal is to support movement, circulation, and balance throughout the channels associated with the lumbar and pelvic regions.
The Acupuncture Evidence Project (2017) reviewed research across a range of pain conditions and reported evidence for acupuncture in several musculoskeletal presentations, including some forms of lower back pain. While not all studies look specifically at SIJ pain, they explore related symptoms such as mobility, stiffness, and discomfort.
Other systematic reviews have examined acupuncture’s potential influence on the body’s pain-modulation pathways. These studies suggest possible changes in muscle tension, connective tissue response, and local circulation. Results vary, and researchers often note that more high-quality trials are needed.
During a consultation, we’ll go through your symptoms, health history, and what’s been happening recently. If acupuncture appears suitable, I’ll use fine, single-use sterile needles at points chosen for your presentation.
Cupping or electroacupuncture may be used in some sessions. Herbal medicine may also be discussed when it seems appropriate for your overall pattern.
Sessions focus on gentle needling and supporting the body’s natural processes. I keep the approach simple and tailored to your needs without unnecessary add-ons.
Depending on your presentation, your treatment plan may include:
Not all of these are used in every session. The approach is based on what seems most suitable for your condition.
You may find benefit in simple strategies to reduce irritation around the pelvis. Gentle mobility exercises, pacing activity, avoiding long static positions, or using heat for stiffness may be helpful. Some people also notice improvement with walking programs, glute strengthening or simple pelvic stability work.
Small adjustments at home, like better chair support or short breaks from sitting, can make daily life more comfortable.
If you’d like to explore acupuncture as part of your care, you’re welcome to get in touch with my Hervey Bay clinic.
Or call the clinic on 07 4317 4349 if you’d prefer to speak to someone.
The clinic is located in the arcade between the 50’s Diner and the Thai Diamond Restaurant on the Esplanade in Scarness.