Sacroiliac Joint Injection
What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints are found at the base of the spine at the convergence of the sacrum and ilium bones. The joints where these two bones come together can become injured or inflamed, causing radiating pain, tingling, and other uncomfortable sensations in the lower back, hips, and lower extremities. Injections are given to both diagnose and manage sacroiliac joint pain, providing several weeks or months of symptomatic relief.
Why might I need a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
This procedure is done to relieve pain that originates in the sacroiliac joint. Poor posture resulting from degenerative conditions, traumatic injury, problems after laminectomy (spinal surgery), or problems with intravertebral discs (cushions between vertebra in the spinal column) may cause problems with the sacroiliac joint.
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What happens during the procedure?
A Sacroiliac Joint Injection is a simple procedure:
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Our healthcare provider will use an X-ray (fluoroscope) machine showing moving images on a screen to guide the needle as they make the injection and ensures that the needle is in the correct location.
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Contrast dye is injected at the site to make sure that the medicine will be sent to the exact place it needs to go.
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The healthcare provider will inject the steroid medicine itself, often along with a local anesthetic to help with pain relief.
What happens after the procedure?
Once the procedure is done, you can return home. Usually, you'll be able to return to normal activities on the next day. The steroids usually begin working within 1 to 3 days. In some cases, you might need up to a week to feel the benefits.