Iliolumbar Ligament Sprain Treatment

Iliolumbar Ligament Sprain Treatment

An Iliolumbar Ligament sprain is caused by overstretching the ligament, which is found along the back of the pelvis to the lowest vertebra in your spine. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our specialised treatment aims to:

Encourage Recovery

Increase Range of Movement

Reduce Pain

About the condition

What is an Iliolumbar Ligament Sprain?

The iliolumbar ligament is a band of connective tissue which connects your pelvis to your spine. It plays a crucial role in spinal support and controlled bodily movement. A sprain involves a stretching of the ligament, causing severe pain and limited movement of the spine. Pain is most often felt during activity, and after periods of prolonged sitting or standing.

Causes

What are the causes?

An iliolumbar ligament sprain can have a number of causes which inflame or tear the tissue. These may include:

Pain can be felt in the mid to lower back (thoracic & lumbar spine) and pelvic area.

  • Forceful movements – bending, twisting, arching or reaching
  • Direct trauma (e.g., a fall)
  • Prolonged or high contact physical activity
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Lower back pain (sometimes on one side of the spine)
  • Referred pain in the pelvic area
  • Reduced range of movement
  • Muscle stiffness, weakness and/or numbness
  • Inflammation and/or swelling in the lumbar or pelvic region
  • Muscle spasms
Treatment

Treatment for Iliolumbar Ligament Sprain

Like many back conditions, acute iliolumbar ligament strains can worsen without proper treatment and management. If aggravated, the sprain can lead to disc herniation. Similarly, ignoring or continuing with activities despite suspecting or having the sprain increases both pain and recovery time. In general, with proper treatment, the condition may only last for a few weeks without the risk of developing into a chronic issue.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we assess and treat iliolumbar ligament sprains through a specific treatment plan tailored to your recovery needs. This can be through:

The physiotherapist may also advise you to rest, ice the area and recommend medication which may relieve pain.

  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Cores strengthening techniques
  • Movement and Balance exercises
  • Home exercise and self-management techniques
  • Joint mobilisation (after prolonged treatment)
  • Heat therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Graded Exposure to load program

Need Help?

Are you in pain caused by iliolumbar ligament sprains? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.