The Sacroiliac Joint Injection is used for the treatment of the SI joint pain that arises from degenerative or traumatic changes.  The SI injection can be used for a diagnostic purpose or for pain relief.  If used to diagnosis the problem area, only lidocaine is injected into the joins space.  If the SI injection is being used for pain relief and reduction of inflammation in the SI joint than steroid is injected with the lidocaine.

How does the Sacroiliac Joint relieve my Pain?

The SI injection relieves pain by reducing the inflammation in the SI joint space.  That inflammation can cause stenosis around the nerve roots causing sciatica and extreme pain in the low back or buttocks region.

During:

• The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes
• The patient lies flat on his/her abdomen
• The area of the injection is cleaned and numbed with lidocaine
• The patient is put under with a light sedation
• Using live X-Ray (fluoroscopy) for guidance, the physician inserts a needle in the Sacroiliac joint space
• Once placement is confirmed, the anesthetic and steroid are injected.

After:

• The patient is usually monitored for 15-30 minutes before being discharged.
• The patient must have a driver
• Patients are usually asked to rest the day of the injections
• Normal activities can be typically resumed within 24-48 hours following the injection
• Steroids can take up to 24-36 hours to become effective.