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Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection

PAIN TREATMENT

Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection: Pain Management

Living with constant lower back, hip or pelvic pain can feel overwhelming, especially when every aspect of your life is affected. Nearly 30% of back pain is due to your sacroiliac joints.[1] The left and right sacroiliac (SI) joints on either side of your spine are often the culprit for sharp or dull back pain.[2] They connect your spine to your pelvis. [3] The SI joints support the upper body and allow movements like walking. They also help you maintain balance and stability when you stand or lift things.[1]

If traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medications haven’t helped, sacroiliac injections might offer the relief you’ve needed. Let’s explore how these steroid injections work, the conditions they treat, and why they’re a game-changer for many patients seeking a minimally invasive solution.

How Sacroiliac Joint Injections Work

SI joint injections (SIJI) are a targeted treatment to reduce inflammation and pain in the sacroiliac joints. They can also be used diagnostically to determine if one or both of your SI joints are causing pain.[3]

You may feel SI joint pain in your buttocks, thighs, groin or upper back, and it may feel better as you move throughout the day.[4] An anesthetic and corticosteroid are injected directly into the affected joint to ease pain and discomfort due to inflamed SI joints.[1] The anesthetic offers immediate pain relief, giving the steroid time to relieve inflammation and irritation in the joint. The needle is inserted using fluoroscopic (video X-ray) or CT guidance to ensure the medication is delivered directly to the joint.[1] The steroid can take up to seven days to start working and can be repeated when needed. The injection is an in-office procedure, and you’ll go home shortly afterward with minimal restrictions.

Conditions Treated with SIJIs

Sacroiliac joint injections relieve pain in your lower back, legs, hip, buttocks or groin.

SI joint injections are a practical option for managing pain caused by:

  • Sacroiliitis [5]
  • Arthritis [5]
  • Ankylosing spondylitis [5]
  • Abnormal walking patterns (uneven strides) [4]
  • Damaged SI joint ligaments [4]
  • Pregnancy (hormones cause the relaxation of ligaments and joints) [4]
  • Concussion or pounding from running [4]
  • Trauma from falls during sports or accidents [4]
  • Repeated stress or repetitive movements [6]
  • Previous lower back surgery [6]

Benefits of Cervical Sympathetic Blocks

Why should you consider sacroiliac joint injections? SI joint injections offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. They are completed in the office and require little to no recovery time. Some patients may experience pain relief within a few days and regain movement and comfort as the inflammation subsides.

SIJIs can confirm and treat your lower back, buttocks, hip or upper leg pain related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. They also work well with physical therapy, chiropractic care and lifestyle modifications. Pain relief can last up to several months and can be repeated as needed.

SGB Specialists & Pain Management Clinics

If conventional treatments have failed to provide relief for your SI joint pain, steroid injections may be the answer. Pain management clinics specialize in personalized care plans that use interventional treatment and complementary therapies for a whole-body approach.

Your pain care physician and their staff will work with you to address your symptoms and carefully develop a treatment plan that adheres to your goals. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, trauma or SI joint dysfunction, pain specialists have cutting-edge technology to deliver effective, minimally invasive procedures. They also offer a holistic approach to managing pain, often including physical therapy, counseling, lifestyle adjustments, and therapies like acupuncture and massage.

Don’t let SI joint pain keep you from living life to its fullest. Talk to a pain specialist about how sacroiliac joint steroid injections and a comprehensive approach can help you reclaim your comfort and mobility.

Resources:

  1. Wu L, Tafti D, Varacallo M. Sacroiliac Joint Injection. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing [Internet]; 2024 Jan-.Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513245/
  2. Sacroiliac Joint (Left Side) Sacroiliac Joint Injection. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/neurological/spine/sacroiliac-joint-infection-2016.pdf?la=en
  3. Mehta Y. Sacroiliac Joint Injection for Lower Back Pain. Spine-health [Internet]. Published 2020. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/sacroiliac-joint-injection-lower-back-pain
  4. Collins S. Is Your SI Joint Giving You Back Pain? WebMD [Internet]. Published June 12, 2015. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/si-joint-back-pain
  5. Sacroiliitis; Symptoms, Causes, Management & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17736-sacroiliitis
  6. Yeomans S. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Symptoms and Causes. Spine-health [Internet]. Published 2017. Accessed November 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction-symptoms-and-causes
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