Whatare Sacroiliac Joints?
The sacroiliac joints are paired structures (on the right and left) that connect the spine to the pelvis and allow for motion. The SI joint is surrounded by a capsule that contains lubricating fluid. SI joint motion allows us to walk upright, to lift, and to carry. Occasionally, the SI joint motion unit can become dysfunctional (for a variety of reasons), causing pain.
What is a Sacroiliac Joint injection?
During a sacroiliac joint injection, a mixture of an anti-inflammatory medication and an anesthetic is injected into the joint capsule of the SI joint to treat the pain in your low back, buttock, or upper leg. The goal of this is to provide pain relief and improve your spine motion. It can also provide diagnostic information. Pain relief typically lasts about 3 months.
What happens during the procedure?
The injection typically takes 5-10 minutes. You will be lying down, and the injection site is cleansed and numbed with anesthetic, like a dentist numbing the gums. For safety, x-ray imaging guides the doctor to the sacroiliac joint and contrast dye is administered for confirmation. The mixture of steroid and lidocaine is then injected into the sacroiliac joint and the needle is removed. A band-aid is then applied.
What happens after the procedure?
Pain relief may begin immediately after the medication has been injected. The steroid may give long-lasting pain relief which usually begins working in 2-3 days; however, the anesthetic may give you relief immediately. You will be observed in the waiting room for about 15 minutes. Do not participate in strenuous activity the day of injection, but you may resume typical recent activities, such as chiropractic treatment and physical therapy, the next day.
What are the risks?
Sacroiliac joint injections are generally safe. Few patients may experience post-injection soreness or pain like how one feels after receiving a flu vaccination. Very rarely does serious bleeding, infection, or nerve damage occur, however, multiple safety measures minimize these risks.