What is a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection is a targeted injection to the joint of the sacrum and pelvic bones, meant to target lower back pain. The symptom that results from an impacted sacroiliac joint is often described as intense and localized pain in the buttock, leg, hip, groin, or abdomen areas. The combination of anesthetic and steroid agents in the injection is meant to lower inflammation and decrease pain levels. Additionally, sacroiliac joint injections can also be used as a diagnostic tool. A diagnostic SI joint injection can be employed to confirm a suspected diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
In this case, the physician will inject a local anesthetic into the joint. After a few moments, the physician will ask the patient to recreate the movement that usually causes triggers the pain. If the patient experiences significant relief for the duration of the anesthetic, a tentative diagnosis is made. During the second stage, the physician will inject a different numbing medication and conduct the same steps followed during the first injection. If the second injection also provides significant relief, there is now a reasonable degree of medical certainty for a sacroiliac joint dysfunction diagnosis.
How Do Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections Work?
During the procedure, one of our interventional pain specialists will ask you to lay on your abdomen on a specialized table. After proper sterilization of the area, a local numbing agent is administered to minimize discomfort at the injection site. With the aid of fluoride, a type of x-ray guide, the physician will then proceed to insert a small, hollow needle into the sacroiliac joint. Once the needle is inserted, the diagnostic or therapeutic medications are then administered within the joint. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following agents may be utilized.
Local Anesthetic
The sacroiliac joint is typically injected with a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine or bupivacaine) to help identify immediate pain relief and validate the sacroiliac joint as the source of the patient’s pain. This is the solution utilized when performing a diagnostic sacroiliac joint injection.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Usually a corticosteroid, it can help reduce inflammation in the joint, which may help relieve pain for more extended periods (typically for several months, up to a year). This solution is distributed into the sacroiliac joint for therapeutic purposes.
Request AppointmentHow to Prepare for for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sacroiliac joint injection, your physician will need to conduct a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history. This is particularly vital since corticosteroids can temporarily raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and affect patients with bleeding problems.
We will also collect all relevant data regarding your current medications and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure. If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the symptoms discussed above, please contact our team as soon as possible. Our interventional pain specialists have decades of pain management and recovery expertise. We are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your condition or the treatment options available to you.
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