TREATMENTS & PROCEDURES
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
GROTH PAIN & SPINE
What are Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Injections?
Sacroiliac Joint Injections are diagnostic and therapeutic injections used to identify and alleviate pain originating from the sacroiliac joints. During the procedure, a combination of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the affected sacroiliac joint(s) under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance. This injection can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, confirming the sacroiliac joint(s) as the source of the pain.
Minimally Invasive
Fast, Targeted Relief
Safe, In-office Treatment
Minimal Downtime
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
How do Sacroiliac Joint Injections work?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints are located in the lower back and connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) to the ilium (part of the pelvis). These joints play a crucial role in transferring weight and forces between the upper body and the legs.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is typically described as a dull, achy discomfort in the lower back or buttocks region. Patients may experience pain on one side or both sides of the lower back, and the discomfort can sometimes radiate down into the thigh or groin area. The pain may worsen with certain activities such as standing up from a seated position, walking, or climbing stairs. Additionally, patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction may experience stiffness and limited range of motion in the lower back or hips.
Sacroliac Joint Injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to both diagnose and treat pain coming from the SI Joint - the small joint that connects the spine to the pelvis. The patient will be lying down and X Ray guidance will be used to confirm placement of the needle into the joint, and medication will then be injected. The steroid works to reduce inflammation and provide long lasting pain relief.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
Several risk factors may contribute to sacroiliac joint dysfunction, including:
Trauma or injury: Traumatic events such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can damage the ligaments and structures surrounding the sacroiliac joint, leading to instability and pain.
Pregnancy: The hormonal changes and increased ligament laxity that occur during pregnancy can put extra stress on the sacroiliac joints, resulting in pain and dysfunction, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
Lumbar fusion: Lumbar fusion to S1 increases the risk of sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to altered biomechanics and increased stress on the adjacent sacroiliac joint.
Degenerative changes: Aging and wear-and-tear over time can lead to degeneration of the cartilage in the sacroiliac joint, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Repetitive stress: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or prolonged sitting or standing can strain the sacroiliac joints and increase the risk of dysfunction.
Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease can affect the sacroiliac joints and cause pain and inflammation.
IS THIS TREATMENT right for you?
More Than a treatment: A Step Toward Relief
CONDITIONS TREATED:
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: When the joint moves too much or too little, this can cause pain in the joint and surrounding areas. Injections can help reduce inflammation and restore function.
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Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint resulting in low back, hip or buttock pain. Injections can help reduce inflammation therefore relieving pain.
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Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease: Age related wear and tear of the SI Joint.
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Trauma or injury to the joint: Falls, car accidents, or heavy lifting can injure the joint.
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Postpartum Pelvic Pain: After childbirth, the SI Joint can become unstable or irritated causing pain in the joint.
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Post Lumbar Spine Fusion SI Joint Pain: After lumbar spine fusion, stress can shift to the sacroiliac joint and cause low back, buttock or leg pain.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
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SI Joint injections are used to reduce inflammation in the joint resulting in pain relief in the lower back, buttocks, hips or legs.
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This is a minimally invasive injection and can provide immediate pain relief.
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The injection is done in the office and the patient can go home shortly after the procedure.
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By reducing pain, patients are able to increase activity resulting in improvements in both strength and mobility.
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SI Joint injections can make activities like walking, sitting and standing more comfortable and can improve quality of life.
FAQS: Frequently asked questions
Patients may feel some discomfort during needle insertion. Local anesthetics are used to numb the area around the joint.
Patients may feel soreness for a few days following the procedure. Patients may return to light activities following the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities.
Depending on the providers assessment and discretion, the injection can be repeated up to three times per year.
Groth Pain & Spine:
Guiding You From Pain To Possibility
At our practice, we don’t just treat pain, we treat people. We take time to understand your story, your symptoms, and what matters most to you. With every visit, you’ll experience thoughtful, attentive care that puts your comfort and well-being first. Because to us, you’re not just a patient, you’re part of the family.