U.S-Based Expert Support
M–F 9a–5p EST
M–F 9a–5p EST
SI Joint Dysfunction: How to Choose the Best Brace for SI Joint Pain
The best brace for SI joint pain is usually a narrow SI belt, also called an SI joint stabilizing belt, worn low around the hips to steady the pelvis. It can ease sacroiliac joint pain from SI joint dysfunction, uneven hips and SI joint pain during pregnancy.
- How an SI belt steadies the pelvis
- Where to wear an SI belt for the best fit
- Help for uneven hips, hip pain and pregnancy
Steady Your Pelvis
An SI belt gently squeezes the hips to limit extra motion in the SI joints.
Walk and Climb with Less Pain
Support can make standing up, walking and stairs more comfortable.
Wear It Under Clothes
A narrow belt sits low on the hips and hides under most outfits.
At a Glance
- For most people, the best brace for SI joint pain is a narrow SI belt.
- An SI belt sits low around the hips, not at the waist like a back brace.
- SI joint pain often spreads to the buttock and can feel like hip pain or sciatica.
- A belt can ease pain from uneven hips, but it won't realign the bones.
- Many SI belts carry the HCPCS code L0621.
Up to 25%of low back pain may come from the SI jointSource: NCBI Bookshelf, National Library of Medicine
12 monthsafter birth is when pregnancy-related SI joint pain usually resolvesSource: NCBI Bookshelf, National Library of Medicine
What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?
The sacroiliac, or SI, joints sit where the base of your spine (the sacrum) meets your pelvis, one on each side. They move only a little, but they carry the weight of your upper body down to your legs. SI joint dysfunction means one or both joints move too much or too little and become painful. Up to 25% of low back pain could arise from the sacroiliac joint, according to a StatPearls review from the National Library of Medicine.
Sacroiliac joint pain is easy to confuse with a disc problem or hip pain, because the pain can spread into the buttock, groin or thigh. A doctor can sort out where your pain is really coming from.
Common Signs of SI Joint Pain
- Pain low in the back, near the dimples above the buttocks, often on one side
- Pain that spreads into the buttock, groin or back of the thigh
- Pain when you stand up from sitting, climb stairs or roll over in bed
- Pain when standing on one leg
- A feeling that the pelvis is unstable or uneven
What Causes SI Joint Pain?
StatPearls notes that SI joint pain can come from trauma, pregnancy, repetitive stress, sports, and spinal surgery. Unequal leg length can also lead to SI joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy
Weight gain, a deeper curve in the lower back and looser ligaments all put more stress on the SI joints.
Injury and Repetitive Stress
A fall, car accident or sports that load one leg at a time can strain the joint.
Uneven Hips and Wear
A leg length difference, arthritis or a past lower back fusion can change how the SI joints move.
See a doctor if SI joint pain lasts more than a few weeks, comes with fever or follows a fall. Get care right away for leg weakness or trouble with your bladder or bowels. A belt supports the joint; it doesn't treat the cause.
Does an SI Belt Help SI Joint Dysfunction?
Yes, for many people. An SI joint stabilizing belt wraps around the hips and gently squeezes the pelvis, which helps hold the SI joints steady while you move. StatPearls reports that pelvic stabilization belts can be useful in SI joint pain caused by pregnancy.
Steadies the Pelvis
Compression around the hips limits extra motion in the SI joints.
Eases Pain with Movement
Many people notice less pain standing up, walking and climbing stairs.
Fits Under Clothes
A narrow belt sits low on the hips and hides under most pants and skirts.
What Is the Best Brace for SI Joint Pain?
For most people, the best brace for SI joint pain is a narrow SI belt, not a full back brace. SI belt or back brace: which is better for SI joint pain? A back brace sits at the waist and supports the lumbar spine, while an SI belt sits lower and targets the pelvis. If you have both lower back and SI joint pain, ask your doctor which to start with.
- Choose a narrow belt with side straps you can tighten on your own.
- Look for a belt that fits your hip size, not your waist size.
- Some SI belts work during pregnancy too.
How to Wear an SI Belt
Where should an SI belt sit on the body? Low, around the hips, not at the waist like a back brace. The belt should cross the bony points at the front of your hips and sit over the base of your spine in back, just below the dimples.
- Put the belt on while standing, or lying down if your pain is severe.
- Tighten it until it feels snug and supportive, not painful.
- Wear it during activities that flare your pain, such as walking or housework.
- Can you wear an SI belt all day? Many people can, but take breaks and follow your doctor's advice.
Can a Brace Help Uneven Hips?
Uneven hips, or pelvic asymmetry, means one side of the pelvis sits higher or tilts more than the other. Common causes include a leg length difference, tight or weak hip muscles, scoliosis and SI joint problems. Is pelvic tilt the same as uneven hips? Not exactly: pelvic tilt is a forward or backward tilt, while uneven hips usually means one side sits higher.
Can a belt fix uneven hips? No. An SI belt can ease pain by steadying the pelvis, but it won't realign your bones. Exercises from a physical therapist, and sometimes a shoe lift for a leg length difference, do the long-term work.
Does an SI Belt Help Hip Pain?
An SI belt can help hip pain that actually comes from the SI joint, since SI pain often spreads to the buttock and outer hip. Is SI joint pain the same as hip pain? No. True hip joint pain is usually felt in the groin or front of the hip, and an SI belt won't help it much. If you're not sure where your pain starts, a doctor or physical therapist can test both joints.
SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy
SI joint pain during pregnancy is common as the body changes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that backache is one of the most common pregnancy problems, especially in the later months, and that your provider may suggest a maternity girdle or brace.
A maternity SI belt sits under the belly and around the hips. StatPearls notes pregnancy-related SI joint pain usually resolves within 12 months after birth. Check with your provider before wearing any belt during pregnancy.
Best SI belt for pregnancy and postpartumBrace Direct GlideFit Maternity Belt: SI Joint and Pelvic SupportHCPCS: L0621View product
Getting Used to Your SI Belt
Start When Pain Flares
Wear the belt during the activities that bother you most, then add time if it helps.
Keep It Low
If the belt rides up to your waist, it won't steady the SI joints. Reset it over your hips.
Sit and Sleep Without It
Most people loosen or remove the belt to sit for long periods and to sleep.
Pair It with Exercise
Core and hip exercises from a physical therapist help keep the joints steady long term.
Support typeSupportBest forKey detailCommon HCPCS
Narrow SI beltLight to ModerateSI joint pain, hip and buttock painSits low around the hipsL0621
Maternity SI beltLight to ModerateSI joint pain in pregnancySits under the bellyL0621
Lumbar back brace (LSO)Moderate to FirmLower back pain, disc painSits at the waist, not the pelvisL0627, L0637
Insurance and HCPCS Codes
Most SI belts have an HCPCS code, the billing code Medicare and insurers use for medical equipment. We don't bill insurance, but you can submit your receipt to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Most of our braces are also HSA and FSA eligible.
L0621 SI belts
Talk to a Brace Specialist
US-based team, Monday to Friday
Not sure which SI belt fits you? Tell us where your pain starts, your hip size and whether you're pregnant. Our specialists can help you choose a size and style before you buy, and after your brace arrives you can use our fitting videos or book a virtual fitting session.
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. See our Return Policy for details.
Contact Our TeamFind the Brace That Fits Your Life
Shop SI BeltsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an SI belt help SI joint dysfunction?
For many people, yes. An SI belt gently squeezes the pelvis to steady the SI joints, which can ease pain when you stand, walk and climb stairs.
Suggested: Brace Align GlideFit SI Belt or Aspen Evergreen 621 Sacroiliac Support Belt
SI belt or back brace: which is better for SI joint pain?
An SI belt is usually better, because it sits low around the hips where the SI joints are. A back brace sits at the waist and suits lower back and disc pain.
Suggested: Brace Align GlideFit SI Belt
Where should an SI belt sit on the body?
Low, around the hips. It should cross the bony points at the front of your hips and sit just below the dimples on your lower back.
What does SI joint pain feel like?
Usually a dull or sharp ache low in the back, on one side, that can spread to the buttock, groin or thigh. It often hurts more when you stand up, climb stairs or roll over in bed.
Can SI joint pain cause sciatica-like symptoms?
Yes. SI joint pain can spread into the buttock and down the back of the thigh, which can feel like sciatica. A doctor can tell the two apart.
Suggested: Brace Align GlideFit SI Belt
Can you wear an SI belt during pregnancy?
Many people do, and providers sometimes suggest a maternity belt or brace. Check with your provider first, and choose a belt made to sit under the belly.
Suggested: Brace Direct GlideFit Maternity Belt: SI Joint and Pelvic Support