Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Injection

What is a Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Injection?

A sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection is a targeted injection to the joint of the sacrum and pelvic bones, meant to target lower back pain.

What are the benefits of a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain can results from inflammation or mechanical compromise of the joint. Patients often describe the pain as intense and localized pain in the low back or upper buttock region.

Common Indications:
– Chronic Low Back or Buttock Pain
Pain located around the belt line
May radiate to the groin, hip, or posterior thigh
– Pain Aggravated by Mechanical Stress
Prolonged sitting or standing
Climbing stairs, rising from a seated position
Turning in bed or getting out of a car
– Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Pain
Ligamentous laxity and pelvic instability can increase SI joint stress

How does a Sacroiliac Joint Injection work?

A sacroiliac joint injection is a targeted injection to the joint of the sacrum and pelvic bones, meant to target lower back pain. It is performed using one or two medications, depending on the goals of the injection.
When used for diagnostic (test) goals only, the sacroiliac joint is injected with an anesthetic (numbing medication) to help identify immediate pain relief and validate the sacroiliac joint as the source of the patient’s pain.
When used for diagnostic and therapeutic goals, the sacroiliac joint is injected with an anesthetic as well as a steroid medication, to help reduce inflammation in the joint, which may help relieve pain for more extended period of time.

How to prepare for a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a sacroiliac joint injection is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

-Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, warfarin):
You will NOT need to stop them before the procedure
-Diabetes
Steroids can temporarily raise blood sugar levels. Adjustments may be needed.
– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Sacroiliac joint injections are usually performed in under 20 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

When using diagnostic testing of the sacroiliac joint with numbing medication, the expectation is to get temporary relief from pain that only lasts for a day or so. Once this injection is performed, we want you to engae in physical activity to test if it was helpful. This confirms that the joint is the source of pain.

When using diagnostic and therapeutic testing of the sacroiliac joint with numbing and steroid medication, the above still applies. In addition, it can take 2 to 3 days for the steroids to take effect and provide long-term relief.