What Is A Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
The sacrum is the bony structure between the tailbone and lower vertebrae. There are two sacroiliac joints in the body that sit next to the spine: one on the right and one on the left. These joints connect the sacrum to the hip, and they are often responsible for low back pain. A sacroiliac joint injection is a quick procedure in which a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid are injected into the sacroiliac joint to relieve pain. In addition to pain relief, this procedure may be used for diagnostic purposes.
If you’re interested in receiving sacroiliac joint injections, read on below or reach out to the Southside Pain Specialists pain clinic in Birmingham.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTIONS?
You may benefit from sacroiliac injections if you’ve received a diagnosis for:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis)
- SI joint dysfunction (inflammation that causes pain around the rear, groin, and legs)
Patients who endure chronic back pain will undergo a variety of diagnostic testing to determine the root problem. Sacroiliac joint injections may also be used to provide relief and treat pain in patients who live with arthritis or who had positive results during the diagnostic testing phase. If the sacroiliac joint is in question, doctors and pain treatment specialists may recommend injections. Pregnancy and birth can also cause SI joint strain in women. You may also have back pain from an accident or from the normal wear and tear that comes with aging.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTION PROCEDURE FOR PAIN RELIEF
There are two types of sacroiliac joint injections: a diagnostic injection and a therapeutic injection. A diagnostic injection only puts numbing medicine into the joint. A therapeutic injection uses a combination of numbing medicine and a corticosteroid for more prolonged pain relief. For many patients, these pain medicine injections may be recommended in conjunction with physical therapy.
First, you will lie face down on an x-ray table. Next, the skin of the injection site will be cleaned and a numbing medicine will be used. X-rays and contrast dye will be used to ensure the needle is in exactly the right spot. During the procedure, a needle enters the skin and a local anesthetic is injected into the sacroiliac joint. Patients will then be asked to perform movements that typically elicit pain. It is an indicator that the sacroiliac joint is the pain source if the patient experiences greater ease of movement. The doctor will be able to make a professional diagnosis based on the results of the procedure.
Southside Pain Specialists has a team of specialized medical professionals to perform sacroiliac joint injections at our pain clinic in Birmingham, AL. This is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. (The length of the entire procedure can vary based on preparation and patient accommodations.) Patient activity is not totally restricted post-procedure; however, we discourage maximum exertion or vigorous exercise.
Note: Southside Pain Specialists is a referral-only pain clinic. Before you can schedule an appointment, you need a physician referral. Please discuss any medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider before pursuing treatment.
How Long Does It Take for Sacroiliac Joint Injections to Work?
Patients will begin to feel the effects within 48 hours. The length of treatment varies, with most patients reporting pain relief for several weeks to several months. Procedures can be repeated if necessary.
To Explore Pain Management Solutions, Reach Out to Southside Pain Specialists Today
A sacroiliac joint injection can reduce inflammation, alleviate lower back pain, and improve quality of life. Get the pain relief you deserve from Southside Pain Specialists. To explore more options for pain management in Birmingham, schedule a consultation with our pain clinic. Contact us online or by phone at (205) 900-3927 to discuss your concerns and find out how we can help.
*The length of the procedure is tentative due to variations in preparation and patient accommodations.