Acupuncture Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Disorder in a Postpartum Woman: a Case Report

Abstract

[Objective] Here, we report the clinical course of acupuncture in a woman with sacroiliac joint disability persisting from pregnancy to postpartum. This study aimed to illustrate the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in treating postpartum sacroiliac joint pain.[Case] A woman in her 40s presented with sacroiliac joint pain. She delivered her second child at X–7 months and returned to work before six months postpartum. Approximately X–1 month, the pain that had begun during pregnancy worsened, interfering with childcare, housework, and sitting or forward-bending postures. She was treated with analgesics and topical agents at Hospital A; however, no improvement was observed. Initial examination revealed maximal tenderness localized to the sacroiliac joint. Pain scale (PS) was 7, sacroiliac joint disability score was 7, and the finger-to-floor distance (FFD) was +51 cm. Considering reported discomfort with needle sensation, treatment was performed using thin needles with a shallow, cutaneous-level insertion. Local acupuncture was performed to achieve analgesia and reduce lumb-gluteal muscle tension.[Results] During the second session, the patient reported muscle relaxation and notable pain reduction. During the fifth session, she no longer required analgesics or topical medication, and symptoms continuously improve. A temporary exacerbation occurred in the ninth session following increased childcare activities; however, no further worsening was observed. By the 15th session, her PS had improved to 1, sacroiliac joint disability score to 2, and FFD to +6 cm. Sacroiliac joint pain was nearly resolved, and daily activities were no longer limited.[Conclusion] Acupuncture treatment resulted in rapid and sustained improvement of sacroiliac joint pain that persisted from pregnancy to the postpartum period. This case suggests that acupuncture may be a useful therapeutic option for postpartum sacroiliac joint disorder.