Why does SI joint pain feel worse when standing up from sitting?

Standing from sitting shifts load from the spine into the pelvis. If the sacroiliac joint region is irritated or moving unevenly, that transition can temporarily increase stress and trigger localized low back or buttock pain.

Can SI joint pain cause pain into the buttock or upper leg?

It can. Many people notice ache or tightness into the buttock and sometimes the upper thigh. If symptoms travel below the knee, include numbness/tingling, or change with coughing/sneezing, it may reflect a different pain pattern that should be evaluated.

Is walking good or bad for SI joint pain?

Gentle walking often helps because it restores motion and reduces prolonged stiffness. Longer walks may flare symptoms if your gait is uneven or your hips and low back aren’t transferring load well, so pacing and terrain matter.

How can I tell if it’s SI joint pain or a disc issue?

SI-region pain is commonly one-sided near the belt line and is often aggravated by transitions, stairs, or rolling in bed. Disc-related patterns more often change with sustained bending, sitting tolerance, and may include leg symptoms. A clinical exam helps differentiate movement-based patterns.

When should I get SI joint pain checked out urgently?

Seek prompt medical evaluation for fever, unexplained weight loss, severe night pain, bowel or bladder changes, progressive weakness, numbness in the groin/saddle area, or significant trauma.

SI Joint Pain When Standing Up | Olathe Chiropractor

Adult walking with subtle red highlight over lower back near sacroiliac joint

If you feel a sharp or deep ache near one side of your lower back when you stand up, walk, or roll in bed, you may be experiencing irritation around the sacroiliac (SI) joint. Many patients visiting our chiropractor in Olathe describe it as pain “right at the belt line” or “where the spine meets the hip.” While this blog explains the movement patterns behind SI joint discomfort, more comprehensive information about lower back conditions can be found on our Low Back Pain page, which serves as the primary authority resource.

Featured Snippet Explanation:
SI joint pain often occurs when the joint between the sacrum and pelvis becomes irritated or moves unevenly. This can alter load transfer between the spine and legs, leading to localized pain during transitions like standing, walking, or climbing stairs.

The SI joints sit at the base of your spine and connect your sacrum to your pelvis. Their primary role is stability and force transfer. When you sit for prolonged periods, favor one leg, lift unevenly, or twist under load, stress can accumulate across one side of the joint. Unlike a freely moving joint such as the shoulder, the SI joint moves only slightly — but even small motion restrictions or asymmetries can create noticeable discomfort.

Common contributors include prolonged sitting, asymmetrical posture, stepping off a curb awkwardly, carrying a child on one hip, pregnancy-related ligament laxity, or repetitive twisting. Over time, the surrounding muscles — including the glutes, piriformis, and lower lumbar stabilizers — may tighten in response, compounding the irritation.

Patients commonly report:
• Pain on one side of the low back near the belt line
• Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
• Sharp pain when rolling in bed
• Aching into the buttock
• Pain after prolonged walking
• Tenderness when pressing on one side of the pelvis
• Feeling “stuck” or uneven in the hips
• Pain when climbing stairs
• Symptoms that improve slightly with gentle movement
• Tightness in the glute or upper hamstring region

In the office, I often see movement-based patterns. Some patients tolerate sitting but flare when they stand. Others feel better walking but worse after long periods of inactivity. Occasionally, discomfort can refer into the buttock or upper thigh, which may overlap with patterns seen in sciatic-related leg pain, though the mechanical source can differ. The key distinction is how the pain behaves during movement and load transitions.

The SI joint is heavily influenced by how the lumbar spine and pelvis move together. If the lower lumbar segments become restricted, extra stress may transfer to the SI joint. Likewise, glute weakness or asymmetrical gait can increase strain on one side. Restoring balanced joint motion and improving muscular coordination often reduces stress on the irritated area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SI joint pain cause leg symptoms?
It can refer pain into the buttock and sometimes the upper thigh. True nerve compression patterns are evaluated differently, which is discussed more comprehensively on our condition pages.

Why does it hurt more when I stand up?
Standing requires load transfer from the spine into the pelvis. If the SI joint is irritated, that transition can momentarily increase stress across the joint.

Is SI joint pain the same as a disc problem?
Not necessarily. Disc-related discomfort often presents differently and is explained in detail on our Disc Pain / Disc Bulge page.

Can walking make it worse?
Longer walking distances can irritate the joint if load transfer is uneven, though gentle movement often feels better than prolonged sitting.

Does sitting cause SI joint pain?
Extended sitting, especially with poor posture or weight shifted to one side, can increase strain around the joint and surrounding tissues.

If you’re dealing with persistent discomfort near the base of your spine, we can help. Call our Olathe chiropractic office at 913-735-6351 or click “Schedule Your Visit” to get started.