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Sacrum

The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone structure at the bottom of the spine that forms a central part of the pelvis. It functions as a stabilizing bridge between the spine and the hip bones and plays an important role in the body’s movement and posture.

Quick version

What is the sacrum?

The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae (S1–S5) and is located between the hip bones. Together, they form a strong and rigid structure that connects the spine to the pelvic ring.

Anatomy and location

The sacrum is shaped like a triangle, with a broad upper part and a narrower lower part. It has joint surfaces on both sides that meet the upper part of the hip bone.

Function

The sacrum helps distribute body weight from the spine to the pelvis and legs. It provides stability to the body when we walk, stand, and run.

Joint connections

The sacrum is connected to the hip bone via the SI joint (sacroiliac joint) on each side of the pelvis. The SI joints are strong and have limited mobility, which helps relieve the spine during movement.

Development

At birth, the sacral vertebrae are completely separate. They gradually fuse together, and by the teenage years, they form a solid bone structure.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the sacrum can be caused by inflammation of the SI joints (sacroiliitis), fracture, wear and tear, misalignment, or overuse. During pregnancy, it is common to experience discomfort and pain in this area.

Examination and diagnosis

An assessment of the cause of pain can be made through a physical examination, the patient’s medical history, and imaging such as X-ray, CT, or MRI. Book an MRI examination of Hip & Pelvis here.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Stiffness during movement
  • Tenderness when pressing on the area
  • Pain when walking or standing
  • Pain radiating toward the hip or leg

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Sacroiliitis
  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic instability
  • Sacral fracture
  • Degenerative joint diseases

Questions and answers

The sacrum is located between the hip bones and is a triangular bone structure consisting of five fused vertebrae.

The sacrum helps distribute body weight evenly from the spine to the pelvis and legs. It also serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments in the lower back.

Pain in the sacrum can be caused by inflammation of the SI joints (sacroiliac joints), fracture, overuse, or degenerative changes.

Issues with the sacrum can be investigated through a physical examination, the patient’s description of the symptoms, and imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, or MRI.

Yes, pregnancy involves hormonal changes and increased strain on the body, which can cause pain or instability in the area.

Pain in the sacrum can be treated with physiotherapy as well as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on the cause, injections may also be considered.

Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the SI joints (sacroiliac joints). This condition can cause pain in the sacrum and sometimes radiate down into the legs.

Yes, pain in the sacrum is particularly common in people who put heavy strain on their back or suffer from joint inflammation.

Tests related to Sacrum


MRI Hip joint and pelvis

MRI Hip joint and pelvis

Magnetic resonance imaging
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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

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Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • Recommended for hip pain, stiffness or lameness
  • Painless MRI examination with a high level of detail
  • MRI Hip/Pelvis – referral and appointment booked directly

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