What are sacroiliac joints?
The sacroiliac joints are found in where the spine meets the pelvis. Occasionally, these joints can become inflamed due to arthritis, poor posture, or increased activity, which can cause pain in the low back, buttocks, and hips.
What are sacroiliac joint steroid injections?
This injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for sacroiliac joint injections?
The sacroiliac joints (SI joints) are a set of joints located in the pelvis. These joints link the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone) and are an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces from reaching the spine. Many problems can cause sacroiliac joint pain, and, fortunately, various types of SI joint treatment are available.
A sacroiliac joint injection may be right for you if you have chronic low back or buttock pain that is believed to be due to inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Your physician may determine you are a candidate after discussing your medical history and symptoms and performing a physical examination as well. These procedures are generally reserved for patients who have not achieved significant pain relief from more conservative treatment measures such as therapy and oral medications.
What should I expect during my sacroiliac joint injection?
Sacroiliac joint steroid injections are typically performed with the use of a local anesthetic, much like what you’d receive from a dentist while getting a cavity filled. However, some patients prefer IV sedation as well. You’ll be lying down for the duration of the procedure, which usually takes less than 20 minutes. Once you are comfortable, the physician will use a local anesthetic to numb the skin and the needle will be carefully guided into the sacroiliac joint with the use of x-ray guidance. Once the needle is in place, an anesthetic and steroid will be injected to reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.
What types of results can I expect from a sacroiliac joint injection?
Many patients report immediate relief following the procedure due to the anesthetic medication used during the injection. Occasionally patients may complain of soreness for 1-2 days following the procedure. The steroid used typically takes 2-3 days to take effect, providing more long-term pain relief.