Sacroiliac joint injections can provide significant relief for individuals whose daily activities are limited by chronic lower back and hip pain. Many patients notice a reduction in pain within hours to days of the procedure, allowing them to resume normal activities and participate more fully in physical therapy or exercise programs.
Because it delivers targeted anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, sacroiliac joint injection may also help break the cycle of inflammation and muscle spasm that often perpetuates SI joint dysfunction.
What is it?
Sacroiliac joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to both diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, which connects the sacrum (base of the spine) to the pelvis. The injection delivers a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid medication directly into the joint space to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
How is it performed?
Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will insert a thin needle into the sacroiliac joint space through the skin. A small amount of contrast dye may be used to confirm proper needle placement within the joint. The medication is then injected directly into the joint. The procedure typically takes 15 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. You will be monitored for a short period of time, and then released to go home that same day.
Treatment Benefits
Sacroiliac joint injections offer both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits for patients with suspected SI joint dysfunction. As a diagnostic tool, the injection can confirm whether the SI joint is the source of pain, helping guide future treatment decisions. Therapeutically, the anti-inflammatory medication can provide weeks to months of pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Many patients experience decreased reliance on oral pain medications and enhanced ability to participate in physical therapy or daily activities.
Who Can Benefit From This Treatment
This procedure is ideal for patients experiencing chronic lower back pain, hip pain, or buttock pain that may be originating from the sacroiliac joint. Candidates often have pain that worsens with sitting, standing from a seated position, climbing stairs, or walking on uneven surfaces. It is particularly beneficial for those who have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or oral medications. Patients seeking both diagnostic confirmation and potential pain relief are excellent candidates for SI joint injection.
Learn more about Sacroiliac Joint Injection by contacting the Minimally Invasive Spine and Pain Institute—our team is here to help you explore your options.
Aftercare for Sacroiliac Joint Injection
After a sacroiliac joint injection, most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or increased pain for the first few hours due to the local anesthetic wearing off. Pain relief from the steroid medication typically begins within 2-5 days and may last up to several months. Your physician may recommend keeping a pain diary to track your response and determine if additional treatments are needed.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Follow these guidelines to support healing after SI joint injection:
- Rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure
- Apply ice to the injection site for 15-20 minutes several times daily if soreness occurs
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours
- You may experience temporary pain relief immediately, followed by return of pain, then gradual improvement over 2-5 days
- Keep the injection site clean and dry
- Track your pain levels and functional improvement to discuss at follow-up