The Sacral Sling

I had a session the other day that involved pain in the lower spine while standing for any length of time, yet quickly resolved after sitting. Assessments showed a twist in the sacrum while standing. One sacroiliac joint significantly farther forward than the other. Palpating on the table in a side lying position revealed that the tip of the coccyx was pointed nearly straight at the pubic symphyses. Ahhh… I thought. That explains pain only in standing. They cannot rest into their sacral sling.

A view from (not of the) behind shows the underlying structures of the posterior pelvis. Two large ligaments stabilize the sacrum, attaching the ischial tuberositys (Sit bones) which in turn anchor the hamstrings. To be to stand without muscular effort requires this tensional support.