Question

How is it generally determined if the SIJ is a pain generator?

a) Radiographic imaging
b) Patient self-report
c) Physical examination
d) Blood tests

Answer 1

The SIJ as a pain generator is typically determined through patient self-report using pain-rating scales, physical examinations, and radiographic imaging. Blood tests are not used for diagnosing SIJ pain sources.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to determining if the Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) is a potential source of pain. While the determination can involve various methods, generally, the most common and reliable methods are:

1. Patient self-report: Patients provide subjective feedback on their pain, often using tools like the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale, which assigns a numerical value to pain levels.
2. Physical examination: Through manual tests and maneuvers, health professionals can elicit pain responses and assess SIJ dysfunction.
3. Radiographic imaging: Imaging techniques like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can be used to see structural anomalies that might be causing pain.

Blood tests are typically not used to determine if the SIJ is a pain generator as they do not provide direct evidence of mechanical joint problems.