Skip to content Sacroiliac Joint Injection
Experience targeted relief from lower back and buttock discomfort with sacroiliac joint injections, designed to calm inflammation and interrupt pain signals at their source.
A Precise Solution
for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
For those struggling with chronic discomfort in the lower back or pelvic region, a sacroiliac joint injection may be the effective answer you need. This minimally invasive therapy delivers medication directly to the sacroiliac joints to soothe inflammation and block pain sensations, helping to ease discomfort and restore your mobility.
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Injections
A sacroiliac joint injection is a specialized procedure designed to both diagnose and relieve discomfort originating from the sacroiliac joint, which connects the base of your spine to your pelvis. This treatment can ease the indicators of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, such as pain in the lower back, an ache in the buttocks or legs that mimics sciatica, and soreness that intensifies when you stand or walk. The injection itself is typically a blend of a corticosteroid to calm inflammation and a local anesthetic for immediate pain reduction.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure is typically performed with you positioned comfortably on your stomach. To begin, the skin over the joint is thoroughly sterilized, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the treatment area. Using the precision of fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will carefully navigate a fine needle into the sacroiliac joint. A therapeutic solution of corticosteroid and anesthetic is then administered to decrease inflammation and ease discomfort. The entire process is usually completed in under 30 minutes.
This injection serves a dual function, providing both diagnostic insight and therapeutic relief. As a diagnostic tool, if you experience a significant reduction in pain immediately after the injection, it helps confirm the sacroiliac joint as the pain generator. As a treatment, the goal is to reduce inflammation and deliver pain relief that can potentially last for several months.
What Are the Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
Choosing a sacroiliac joint injection comes with multiple key advantages for individuals managing SI joint pain:
- Precise Pain Control: The procedure delivers medication directly to the inflamed joint, offering highly effective relief by addressing discomfort right at its source.
- Non-Surgical Approach: As a non-operative therapy, the procedure is performed with a thin needle, meaning there are no incisions and the recovery time is typically very short.
- Enhanced Function and Mobility: By soothing inflammation, the injection helps reduce pain and stiffness in the SI joint, which can restore function and make daily movements significantly more comfortable.
- Diagnostic Clarity: In addition to providing comfort, the procedure acts as a powerful diagnostic tool. If you experience significant relief, it confirms the SI joint is the source of your pain, which is crucial for developing an effective long-term care plan.
Preparing for and Recovering From Your Injection
BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
- Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. It is not safe to drive immediately following the injection.
- Provide our team with a complete list of your current medications. Specific instructions may be needed for blood thinners or other drugs.
- If your procedure involves sedation, adhere strictly to the fasting instructions provided by your doctor regarding food and drink.
- Contact our office if you develop a fever, cold, or any other illness before your appointment, as it may need to be rescheduled for your well-being.
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
- Plan to rest and avoid any demanding physical activities for the first 24 to 48 hours to ensure the best results from the treatment.
- To soothe any minor soreness at the injection site, you can apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Please watch for any signs of a negative reaction. Contact your physician promptly if you develop a fever, severe pain, or significant swelling.
- Attending your follow-up appointment is essential for us to monitor your progress and plan the next phase of your care.
Your Path Forward After Your Injection
The outcome of your injection helps determine the next phase of your care. If the treatment successfully alleviates your pain but the effects lessen over time, repeat injections can be an effective option to manage your symptoms. For more durable, long-term relief, we may recommend complementary treatments like a personalized physical therapy regimen or a procedure such as radiofrequency ablation.
If these non-surgical methods do not offer the relief you need, we may explore the possibility of surgical solutions. At MVM Health, our goal is to support you in finding lasting pain relief. When you are ready to move toward a more active and comfortable lifestyle, reach out to us to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to create a care plan designed around your needs and guide you on your road to recovery.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection
FAQ
What is the typical duration of pain relief?
The length of relief provided by the injection is different for every patient and depends on their specific condition. Typically, many individuals find their symptoms are eased for a period ranging from a few weeks up to several months. The degree of inflammation and the root cause of the discomfort are key factors in how long the effects will last.
Is it possible to receive this injection more than once?
Yes, if the initial injection proves effective, it can be administered again. When a patient gets substantial relief from the first procedure, follow-up injections may be advised to help manage symptoms long-term. How often you receive another injection will be based on your individual response and how your symptoms progress.
Should I expect pain during the injection?
Most patients find the procedure quite manageable. We use a local anesthetic to numb the skin over the joint, which greatly reduces any potential discomfort. While some people report feeling a sensation of pressure, any discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived. It is normal to have some tenderness at the injection site afterward, which typically resolves within 48 hours.
Are there any potential risks or side effects?
This is a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some potential risks. The most common side effects are temporary and mild, such as bruising or soreness at the injection site. More serious complications like infection, significant bleeding, or an allergic reaction are uncommon. Your doctor will review all potential risks with you beforehand and take every precaution to ensure your safety.
How do I know if this treatment is right for me?
This procedure is often recommended for individuals with persistent lower back, buttock, or pelvic pain that hasn’t been adequately resolved by conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy. A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history by your physician is the best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
How does this injection differ from other pain treatments?
Compared to oral medications that provide systemic pain relief, an SI joint injection delivers anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the source of the problem for more focused results. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, offering significant benefits without the lengthy recovery time. Furthermore, it serves a unique dual role by not only treating the pain but also helping to definitively diagnose the SI joint as the pain generator.
What is the recovery process like?
Immediately following the injection, you might feel relief from the local anesthetic. The corticosteroid typically begins to work over the next two to seven days. We advise taking it easy for the rest of the day and avoiding strenuous activities for the first 24-48 hours. It’s important to watch the injection area for any issues and to keep your follow-up appointment to discuss the results with your doctor.