What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: What it Feels Like
Iliac pain is often referred to as “the stomach ache” or “the stomach bug.” However, it may not feel like that at all. There are many different types of Iliac pains. Some people have no symptoms while others experience severe abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea.
A few people may experience both.
The most common type of Iliac pain is known as acute appendicitis. It usually occurs when the appendix (a small pouch located near your lower abdomen) becomes inflamed or infected. Other causes include certain cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancerous tumors, infections, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
A person may develop Iliac pain during any stage of pregnancy. It is most common in women between ages 20 and 35 years old. The pain can occur at any time during the day or night, but tends to peak around dawn and dusk. People may also experience the pain when lying down or sitting up straight.
Some people may experience Iliac pain during a heart attack or unstable angina (chest pain). This type of pain is typically sudden, severe, and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and other symptoms.
Other less common causes of Iliac pain include appendicitis, appendiceal abscess, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and peritonitis.
What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: What Causes It
The Iliac or Iliac crest is the top part of the pelvic bone. The right and left Iliac crest bones fuse at different times during childhood. The fusion usually occurs in girls by age 16 and in boys by age 18. During childhood, the Iliac crest bones may grow at a faster rate than the rest of the bones in the body.
If the growth plate does not close, it is known as an open growth plate. An open growth plate can result in a condition called Slipped Epiphysis, which causes Iliac pain. The most common symptom of Slipped Epiphysis is Iliac pain.
What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: Who’s at Risk
Older children and teenagers who experience bone pain that affects their ability to walk may be suffering from Slipped Epiphysis. This condition is more common in boys than girls. Other causes of Iliac pain may be serious and should be addressed by a doctor immediately.
What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: Diagnosis
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may also perform several tests to determine the cause of your Iliac pain. These tests may include blood tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI, or an X-ray.
What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: Treatment
Slipped Epiphysis can be treated with physical therapy and medication. Your physician may also recommend that you wear a knee immobilizer for several weeks or months. If medication is not effective, surgery may be required for the removal of the growth plate.
What to Know About Iliac Crest Pain: Prevention
There is currently no known way of preventing Slipped Epiphysis. If you are experiencing Iliac pain, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
Iliac Crest Pain: Key Points
?Iliac pain can have many causes, including a birth defect known as Slipped Epiphysis.
?Slipped Epiphysis can be treated with physical therapy, medication, and in some cases surgery.
?If you experience Iliac pain, it is very important to seek medical attention.
Iliac Pain: Additional Information
Slipped Epiphysis is a condition that causes adolescents to experience pain in the Iliac crest, or top part of the pelvic bone. The pain is usually felt most in the groin, but may also be felt in the upper thigh. The condition is most common in teenage boys between the ages of 13 and 18. However, girls and women may also suffer from the disorder.
What Causes Iliac Crest Pain?
The Iliac crest is the top part of your pelvis. It has two holes, or sockets, into which thigh bones fit. The top of the pelvis is covered with a layer of soft tissue, as well as bone. If too much stress is placed on this soft tissue, it can cause a bony growth to appear in the area. This bony growth is known as an exostosis. The Iliac crest is also made up of several growth plates. The growth plates are areas of soft, growing bone. They are responsible for a bone’s continued growth in length. As a child grows, these growth plates close down and harden. But in some people, including those with Slipped Epiphysis, the growth plates do not completely close. This leaves a portion of non-harden, growing bone that is very susceptible to injury and pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Iliac Pain?
There are many symptoms of Slipped Epiphysis. These may include an aching pain in the side or groin, and often pain when walking up or down stairs. In some cases, people may feel discomfort in the upper thigh. There may also be a visible lump near the top of the upper thigh bone. This lump may make it difficult to raise your leg. If you are experiencing Iliac pain, it is very important to seek medical attention.
How Is Iliac Pain Diagnosed?
Your physician may ask you to describe the type and location of your pain or discomfort. You may be asked to describe activities that make your symptoms worse. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination. This may include checking the flexibility of your hip joint.
Sources & references used in this article:
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Commentary: Iliac crest bone graft: are the complications overrated? by SS Hu – The Spine Journal, 2011 – Elsevier
Reconstruction of anterior iliac crest after bone graft harvest decreases pain: a randomized, controlled clinical trial by DK Resnick – Neurosurgery, 2005 – academic.oup.com
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