Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
You suffer from pain in the iliac crest, and want to know the cause. And above all, you want to benefit from advice to relieve your symptoms. This popularized article explains everything you need to know to get better.
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Definition and anatomy of the iliac crest
Place your hands on your hips. You will feel an arched bone on top. This is the iliac crest.
More specifically, the iliac crest is the most prominent part of the iliac bone, the largest of the three bones that make up the pelvis. As a reminder, the 3 bones that make up the pelvis (pelvic girdle) are the iliac, the ischium and the pubis.
In addition to dividing the pelvis and abdomen, the iliac crest is the point of attachment for several important muscles. These muscles include:
the gluteus maximus
abdominals and obliques (internal and external)
the transverse muscle of the abdomen
the latissimus dorsi
the square of the loins
It is possible to feel pain in the iliac crest. This can radiate to the back, hip, The belly, oldest boy, sacroiliac or even the thigh. It is the muscles that attach in the region, as well as the passage of nerves, which explains the radiating pain.
This pain can occur during certain activities (walking, bending over, running, rotating the trunk, etc.), and limit movement of the lumbar region and the hip.
If caused by trauma (such as a fracture), iliac crest pain may be accompanied by redness or swelling.
Causes of pain
Obviously, traumatic damage to the iliac crest will cause pain. But what about the discomfort that gradually (and perniciously) sets in? Other causes of iliac crest pain include:
In order to clarify the diagnosis related to pain in the iliac crest, the healthcare professional will first perform a clinical examination aimed at identifying the causes of the symptoms.
The range of motion at the lumbar, hip and pelvis level will be performed to assess lumbopelvic mobility. If there is presence of irradiation or numbness, the doctor may do a neurological examination aimed at assessing the integrity of nerve structures (nerves, nerve roots, etc.).
Depending on the suspected pathology, additional medical imaging examinations could be considered to better identify the affected structures. This may be an X-ray, an ultrasound, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or even a bone densitometry if osteoporosis is suspected.
Finally, blood tests could be considered if it is estimated that the pain comes from an autoimmune pathology, or related to some imbalance.
Treatment: What to do to get relief?
If the pain is of traumatic origin, the main objective initially will be to calm the inflammation. Although medications anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or painkillers are relevant, many people prefer to try natural methods beforehand.
La ice helps calm inflammation, combined with topical creams (especially if the lesion is superficial). Of the natural products based on turmeric or arnica are also used regularly.
In addition to applying the methods mentioned above, a balance must be found between resting the region to allow tissue healing, and mobilizing the pelvis to activate blood circulation, tone the muscles and mobilize the joints.
Indeed, note that physical activity (tolerable, safe and gradual) helps speed up the healing process, while excessive rest will cause muscle stiffness and weakness. A healthcare professional (such as a physical therapist or physical therapist) can help you stay active in an optimal environment.
If the cause of iliac crest pain comes from a muscle imbalance or some syndrome, the treatment will be more complex, and will have to be adapted according to the individual.
Indeed, an individualized assessment will determine where these imbalances come from, and how to treat them (with exercises or manipulations by a health professional). Preventive advice will also be offered depending on your sporting or professional activity (adjustment of shoes, soles, surfaces for running, etc.)
Among the passive treatments offered, an osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor can relax spasmed muscles, mobilize hypomobile joints (such as the hip or pelvis), and thus improve fluidity of movement. This will notably reduce pain.
Apart from physical therapies, there are several products and accessories available in the market that can relieve iliac crest pain. It should be remembered that these tools generally provide temporary relief, and should be used sparingly.
Among the products recommended by our professionals, we have:
【Multifunctional Physiotherapy】The acupressure kit set includes an acupressure mat and pillow, and 2 massage balls. You can use the acupressure set in different ways and on different parts of the body, such as lower back pain, insomnia, chronic stress, fatigue, tension, circulatory disorders, etc.
【Safe and Premium Material】The acupressure mat massager, cushion cover and storage bag are made of 100% cotton, the inside is 21D high-density eco-friendly sponge. The massage nail is made of non-toxic ABS plastic. 100% natural without side effects, hypoallergenic.
【Natural Ancient Indian Healing】 The acupressure mat has 230 massage nails, 6210 massage points, the pillow has 73 massage nails, 1971 massage points. Your weight is evenly distributed into thousands of small pieces to stimulate countless acupuncture points. Ideal for relaxation and promoting circulation. The size of the acupressure mat is 68*42cm, the size of the massage pillow is 37 x 15 x 10cm.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
🔥BODY WARMING – The heating pillow lumbar consists of a built-in heating pad that heats up quickly to provide warmth to treat symptoms, menstrual cramps and stomach ailments, arthritis, leg pain and more.
🔥Vibration Massage - The back massager is integrated with 4 powerful massage motors to deliver a soothing vibrating massage. It helps reduce tension and strain in the neck and shoulders, lower back, lumbar region, thighs and legs.
🔥Customizable massage - This back pain wrap has 3 massage modes, 2 adjustable vibration intensities and 2 heating levels. Allows you to customize a setting for yourself to achieve the ultimate comfort. The heating pad is equipped with overheat protection and automatic shut-off functions to ensure safe use.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
POSTURE CORRECTION & MUSCLE ACTIVATION: Patented Neuroband technology activates back and shoulder muscles, reminding your body to align your back and shoulders while providing comfort and freedom of movement.
PAIN AND TENSION REDUCTION: Supports and stabilizes tight muscles in the neck, back and shoulders helping to relieve pain and tension without restricting the muscles.
INJURY PREVENTION: Helps prevent shoulder and back problems by providing support and preventing harmful movements. Recommended for everyday situations including sedentary or physical work, sports activities, housework, etc. The product promotes beneficial working positions by stabilizing weak muscles and aiding alignment, neutralizing the gap between joints.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
Improve unsupportive chairs: The comfort cushion in memory foam material uses body heat to adapt to the curves of the back and provide the lumbar support that is sorely lacking in office chairs
Against back pain: Most chairs do not support the back, which causes tension. The ergonomic cushion supports the upper, middle and lower back, for complete comfort
Breathable Cover: The chair cushion features a breathable mesh cover that allows air to circulate, preventing heat build-up. Finally enjoy a perfectly fresh seat all day long
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
30 LEVELS Massage Gun：ALDOM massage gun Choose the speed and massage heads that best suit your needs can quickly eliminate lactic acid produced after exercise, and for everyday relieve muscle pain, back and neck aches and stiffness, greatly reducing the time muscle recovery.
Long Battery Life: Equipped with high quality battery, the muscle massager can keep working about 6-8 hours after charging, while the cooling system can effectively remove excess heat, if the battery is low, there will be a red prompt.
Less than 45 dB Ultra Low Noise: ALDOM muscle massager gun which features high performance and low noise. features advanced technology and high-torque non-brushed electric motor, Featuring the high-precision mold which tightly connects the machine head and the body, The high-torque motor rotates 1800-4800 times per minute and achieves your tissue to loosen the fascia (connective tissue)
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
LUMBA +: Uses the neurovertebral decompression technique recognized by INSERM, practiced in osteopathy practices and recognized by the Association of Exclusive Osteopaths. Spinal neurodecompression is a surgical or non-surgical procedure that aims to release pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves
Neurovertebral decompression is a key element in the treatment of back pain such as herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatic pain, disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. Vertebral decompression is a principle increasingly used in the treatment of back pain (nerve sciatica stuck, disc pinching, scoliosis, compression of the vertebrae or lower back pain).
Let's discover the technique of spinal decompression and see together its effects by stretching against sciatica. Principle of vertebral decompression Vertebral (or neurovertebral) decompression is a gentle treatment used in the event of sciatic nerve stuck, of herniated disc or in case of disc pinching.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
BACK MASSAGE ROLLER TO RELIEVE YOUR MUSCLE PAIN: relieve your muscle pain and tension with the Core Balance pimpled foam roller. Roll the muscle massage roller placed under your muscles to break up soft tissue adhesions and target painful trigger points (muscle knots).
DEEPER MYOFASCIAL RELEASE: Our back massage roller features a hollow plastic body with a nubbed foam exterior for deeper myofascial release. The nubs on this back roller act like the hands and fingers of a massager to target, relax and release tight muscle knots much more effectively.
IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE: Rolling the back roller over your muscles releases toxins, and increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the target area. Massage your muscles with our fitness roller before or after a workout to boost your performance, speed up your recovery time and protect you from injury.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
💤 The knee pillow provides great support and can greatly improve spinal alignment. They relieve back, hips, legs, knees, arthritis and sciatica, and improve blood circulation in the legs.
💤 Advanced High Density Memory Foam: Made from high quality 100% durable memory foam that provides long term comfort and is better than other pillows. It does not stabilize over time.
💤 Elastic design: The leg pads can keep the best sleeping condition all night long without suddenly falling or slipping. Simply placing it between the thighs or under the knees can relieve some pain.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
If the pain does not subside despite the realization of a well-conducted conservative treatment, we will then think of more "drastic" strategies.
For example, cortisone injections at the level of the affected structure can relieve the symptoms. Surgery is almost never indicated for iliac crest pain.
What about natural remedies?
Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat various body pains, especially for their anti-inflammatory power.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation:
Turmeric : Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
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Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
Ginger : In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. THE gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
【Ginger Anti Swelling Detox Patch】: Ginger Detox Patches are natural,…
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Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
Omega-3s : Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly.
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Lemon eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
wintergreen : Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Refer to the instructions or ask your pharmacist for advice, This…
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Last updated on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API
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Anas Boukas( Physiotherapist, physiotherapist, consultant )
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
