Common Symptoms

Typical presenting symptoms include chronic unilateral or bilateral low back pain with pain referral into the buttock, hip, groin or leg even the foot. Patients may also experience stiffness, decreased range of motion, lumbosacral tenderness or activity related pain (pain that worsens with bending, twisting, prolonged sitting or standing, or lifting).

Symptoms can resemble sciatica or referred pain from the sacroiliac joint , which is part of the reason there are many misdiagnoses for this condition.

Beyond the Back:

Signs and symptoms of Bertolotti Syndrome (BSy) can affect various regions of the body, including your spine, nerves, pelvis, function, and emotional health. While each person may not experience the same pattern of symptoms as someone else, Bertolotti symptoms can fluctuate with activity or may progressively worsen over time.

Symptoms related to the Spine include:

People mainly feel symptoms along the lumbar spine and most commonly at the lumbosacral junction. These symptoms can feel like localized or one-sided low back pain or sometimes both sides, stiffness, feelings of pressure at the base of your spine, or pain with twisting, bending, lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, or walking. Some people experience decreased flexibility, muscle spasms or tightening, or feelings that your back tires easily. Pain and stiffness are believed to be due to the abnormal biomechanics at the transitional segment and increased loading/strain on the vertebrae above.

Symptoms related to Nerve Irritation include:

Radiating pain symptoms can occur when the anatomy of the transitional segment contributes to inflammation or irritation of nearby nerve roots or if there is secondary degenerative changes above the transitional segment. People may experience radiating pain into your buttock, hip, groin, thigh, or down the leg. Others may describe burning, tingling, numbness, pins and needles, or pain that feels like sciatica and some have said they feel they have been placed in a vice.

In more severe cases, nerve inflammation can cause weakness or decreased tolerance for standing or walking. Nerve related symptoms are common among many different spinal conditions, which can make the diagnosis challenging to identify.

Symptoms related to the Pelvis include:

Pelvic symptoms are common due to the connection between the mechanics of the lumbosacral junction and pelvis. Pain may be felt around the sacroiliac joint, buttock, groin, lateral hip, or deep pelvic region. Some people describe uneven discomfort, difficulty sitting symmetrically, or pain that seems to migrate between the low back and pelvis. These symptoms can mimic SI joint pain or other hip or pelvic pathology.

Functional symptoms may include:

For many patients, Bertolotti (BSy) affects their ability to function as much as it does their pain. Functional symptoms can include decreased tolerance for sitting, standing, walking, lifting, house chores, driving, exercise, and sleeping. Some people learn to modify activities or avoid things that cause symptom flares. Data from surveys and clinical studies show these symptoms can significantly affect a person’s ability to work, be active with family, or live independently.

The emotional impact of chronic pain:

The stress of living with chronic pain and frustration of travelling through the healthcare system can affect emotional wellbeing. Some people describe feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious about their condition, or defeated when symptoms are not validated or understood.

Studies show that prolonged duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis can impact quality of life and emotional wellbeing. This can be especially true if pain keeps you from doing your normal activities or participating in family routines. Chronic pain can take a toll on your emotional health. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing these feelings. Emotional distress does not mean your pain is not real or “just in your head” or “stress”. Chronic pain affects the entire body and emotional reactions are normal responses that should be addressed.