SI Joint Dysfunction
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
1:55
4. Pseudosciatica
1:48
5. SI Joint Injection
1:49
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
6. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
SI Joint Injection
1746871810
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is used to diagnose or relieve pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips when the SI joint—connecting the lower spine to the pelvis—is suspected to be the source. The injection helps reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Studies suggest that up to 30% of back pain may come from the SI joint.
This procedure may help with persistent lower back pain near the SI joint, pain that spreads to the buttocks, hips, or groin, and difficulty standing, sitting for long periods, or climbing stairs. Using live X-ray or ultrasound guidance, a doctor carefully injects a local anesthetic—and sometimes a steroid—directly into the joint. Often, two injections are performed to confirm the diagnosis, offering temporary relief while identifying whether the SI joint is the actual source of pain.
Alternative treatments include physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, anti-inflammatory medications, and other types of injections such as prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In more severe cases, surgical options like SI joint fusion may be considered.
Though generally safe, SI joint injections do carry some risks. These include local pain or soreness, infection or bleeding at the injection site, accidental irritation of nearby nerves, and, in rare cases, steroid-related side effects such as elevated blood sugar.
If the SI joint is suspected as the cause of pain, a diagnostic injection is often the first step to confirm it. Early evaluation is key to finding the most effective treatment. Talk to our team to explore the best options for your care.
FAQs
How is an SI joint injection performed?
During an SI joint injection, the patient is positioned lying down, and the doctor uses live X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound to guide a needle into the joint. A local anesthetic and potentially a steroid are injected into the joint. Often, two injections may be required to both provide temporary pain relief and confirm the SI joint as the source of pain.
What alternatives are available if someone does not want an SI joint injection?
Alternatives to an SI joint injection include physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength, anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain, and other types of injections such as prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In more severe cases, surgical options like joint fusion may be considered.
What are the possible risks associated with an SI joint injection?
While generally safe, an SI joint injection can have risks including local pain or soreness at the injection site, infection, bleeding, accidental nerve irritation, and rarely, side effects from steroids like increased blood sugar levels. It's important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider prior to the procedure.
What conditions or symptoms might indicate the need for an SI joint injection?
An SI joint injection may be considered for individuals experiencing persistent lower back pain near the SI joint, pain spreading to the buttocks, hips, or groin, and difficulty standing, sitting for long periods, or climbing stairs. These symptoms could indicate SI joint dysfunction.
What is an SI joint injection and why is it used?
An SI joint injection involves injecting a local anesthetic and possibly a steroid into the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis. It's used to diagnose or relieve pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips that is suspected to originate from the SI joint. This procedure can help reduce inflammation and confirm whether the SI joint is the source of the pain.