Sacroiliac Joint Injection
What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
A Sacroiliac Joint Injection is a medical procedure in which a local anesthetic and/or steroid medication is injected into the sacroiliac joint, which is the joint located between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the ilium (the upper part of the pelvis). This procedure is commonly used to address persistent back pain resulting from injured, inflamed, or irritated nerves in the sacroiliac joint, particularly when the source of the pain is unclear. Diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain can be challenging, as it often stems from back strain or traumatic injury. Research has shown that approximately 40-50% of adults with sacroiliac joint pain can trace the onset of their pain to a specific event. These events include repetitive stress (e.g., heavy lifting), falls, or motor vehicle accidents. This procedure can also be used as a diagnostic tool to confirm that the SI joint is the source of pain. If pain relief is experienced after the injection, it suggests that the SI joint is the culprit.
Conditions Treated
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction• Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation• Lower Back Pain• Sciatica (due to sacroiliac joint issues)• Pelvic Pain• Hip Pain (referred from sacroiliac joint)• Arthritis of the Sacroiliac Joint• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (post-surgical pain)• Degenerative Disc Disease• Pregnancy-related Pelvic Pain
Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections
• Quick Onset of Relief: The local anesthetic in the injection provides immediate pain relief by temporarily numbing the affected nerves.• Pain & Inflammation Management: Steroid injections can offer short-term relief (weeks to months) upfront by reducing pain and inflammation in the SI joint(s). Depending on the patient's response to treatment and individual needs, these can be repeatable per protocol.• Fewer Side Effects: SI joint injection(s) may result in fewer systemic side effects than oral medications, as the anesthetic and corticosteroid are delivered directly to the affected area. • Combination with Other Treatments: SI joint injections (s) are often included in a broader treatment plan. For instance, pairing SI joint injection(s) with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or neuromodulation can enhance long-term outcomes.• Facilitates Physical Therapy & Overall Function: By reducing pain, SI joint injections allow patients to participate more actively in physical therapy, enhancing recovery and improving mobility.• Non-Surgical Treatment: Minimally invasive, requiring no major surgery, and has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. • Low-risk: Low-risk option for managing spine-related pain without surgery.• Long-Term Healing: Staging with PRP and/or stem cells later can address the pain's underlying cause by promoting regeneration. The healing process can provide long-term benefits, reducing the need for repeated injections or invasive surgeries.
How does the Treatment Work?
• The procedure is performed in a medical office and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, including post-procedure monitorization.• The skin over the injection site is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.• A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and tissues around the injection site, reducing discomfort during the procedure. • Under guided fluoroscopy imaging (Real-time X-ray), the physician guides a needle through the numbed tissue and into the SI joint. Contrast dye is injected into the joint to confirm the needle’s placement. • Once the needle is positioned and placement is confirmed, the physician injects anesthetic and corticosteroid for immediate pain relief and inflammation reduction.• It is possible for the physician to stage treatment, whereby anesthetic and corticosteroid mixture is used first within the treatment plan.• Depending on the specific treatment goals and patient needs, at a later date, stem cells or a combination of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cells may be utilized, promoting regeneration and overall healing.
What to Expect After Treatment?
• Mild Discomfort: You may experience soreness or tenderness at the injection site for a few days.• Temporary Pain Increase: Some patients report a temporary increase in pain or discomfort after the procedure, which should subside within a few hours to a day.• Swelling or Bruising: Mild swelling or bruising around the injection site may occur and generally resolves within a few days. • Ice and Pain Relief: You may use ice to manage swelling or discomfort and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain relief. Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil) with cellular therapy for the first few weeks to support healing. • Temporary Pain Increase: Some patients report a temporary increase in pain or discomfort after the procedure, which should subside within a few hours to a day.• Gradual Pain Relief: If a steroid is included for injection, you may experience immediate pain relief. However, the full benefit may take time; it may take 1-2 days for the full effect of the steroid to kick in, with more significant and longer-lasting pain relief occurring within 3-7 days.• Gradual Improvement: If PRP and stem cell therapy are utilized, improvement in pain and mobility may take time, with noticeable progress occurring over 3-6 weeks. Full benefits are often felt within 3-6 months.• Activity: Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours after corticosteroid injection. If PRP and stem cell therapy are utilized, avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks to give your body time to heal and allow cellular therapy to begin working. Outside of this initial period, engaging in physical therapy or modifying activity levels can enhance the effectiveness of treatment and prolong pain relief.• Monitor Progress: Track changes in your pain levels and mobility to evaluate the effectiveness of the sacroiliac joint injection(s).• Follow-up: Your healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up to assess how well the injections work and determine the next steps.