Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are a treatment for lower back, buttock, or hip pain. The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis, and when they become inflamed or injured, they can cause significant discomfort. These injections deliver medicine directly into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation.

Conditions SI Joint Injections Treat

SI joint injections are often recommended for:

• Arthritis of the sacroiliac joint, which can cause stiffness and pain.
• Injury-related SI joint pain, such as from a fall or accident.
• Inflammation of the SI joint, which may cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips.

Benefits of SI Joint Injections

• Relief from lower back, buttock, and hip pain.
• Reduced inflammation and swelling in the joint.
• Improved mobility, posture, and daily function.
• Pain relief without surgery.
• Easier participation in physical therapy or exercise programs.

How SI Joint Injections Work

The injection contains a combination of numbing medicine and steroid medication. The numbing medicine provides immediate relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer-lasting pain control. Some patients may need more than one injection to achieve optimal results.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• SI joint injections are done in an outpatient setting, so you can go home the same day.
• You will lie on your stomach while the doctor cleans and numbs the skin over the SI joint.
• Using X-ray or fluoroscopy guidance, the doctor carefully places a needle into the joint and delivers the medicine.
• The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes.

Some soreness at the injection site is normal for a day or two. Pain relief may begin immediately from the numbing medicine, with longer-lasting effects from the steroid over several days.

Safety & Recovery Tips

• Rest the day of the injection, but light walking is encouraged.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Apply ice if the injection site feels sore.
• Most patients return to normal activities within a day.
• Contact your doctor if you notice unusual numbness, weakness, fever, or severe pain. These side effects are rare but important to report.