A Sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain in the sacroiliac joints, which are located on either side of the lower spine where the sacrum meets the pelvis. SI joint dysfunction can result from:
- Arthritis
- Injury or trauma
- Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
- Inflammatory conditions
Patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction often experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and occasionally the legs. The purpose of the injection is twofold: it can help diagnose the source of pain and provide therapeutic relief by reducing inflammation within the joint.
How Does It Help?
- Diagnostic: If you experience significant pain relief following the injection, it confirms that the SI joint is the source of your pain.
- Therapeutic: The corticosteroid in the injection reduces inflammation, providing relief from chronic or acute pain. This helps restore mobility and allows you to participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation activities.
Steps of Administering a Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Preparation:
- You will be asked to lie face down or on your side, depending on your comfort and the physician’s preference.
- The skin over the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
- A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area around the SI joint.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance:
- Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), the physician will insert a thin needle into the sacroiliac joint space.
- Contrast dye may be injected first to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
- Medication Injection:
- Once the needle is properly positioned, a mixture of corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) and local anesthetic (to numb the area) is injected into the joint.
- Post-Procedure Monitoring:
- After the injection, you will be observed for 15-30 minutes to ensure you are comfortable and there are no immediate adverse reactions.
When Can You Go Home?
- Most patients are able to go home within an hour of the procedure.
- It is recommended that someone drive you home, especially if a sedative was used during the procedure.
- You can resume light activities the same day, but you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity for 24-48 hours after the injection.
How Many Injections Are Needed?
- Initial Relief: Some patients may experience significant pain relief after a single injection, though the effects can vary from person to person.
- Repetition: If the pain returns after several weeks or months, the procedure can be repeated. However, the number of injections you can receive in a year is typically limited to prevent overuse of corticosteroids.
- Physical Therapy: SI joint injections are often part of a broader treatment plan that includes physical therapy or other pain management strategies to improve long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts
A sacroiliac joint injection is a safe and effective procedure to help diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joints. By reducing inflammation and pain, it can improve your ability to move and engage in daily activities with greater comfort.
If you have any questions about your recovery or if you need further guidance after the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office.