What to Expect During Your Sacroiliac Joint Injection Procedure

Lower back or hip pain can feel like a heavy chain. It can limit movement and steal joy from daily life. If sitting, standing, or even walking feels like a battle, you may wonder whether relief exists.

Many people with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain spend months or years trying medications, physical therapy, or rest without lasting results. It is normal to feel frustrated or skeptical about new treatments.

Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint

This joint connects the base of your spine to the pelvis. It acts as a shock absorber, transferring weight between your upper body and legs. Pain often radiates to the lower back, hips, or thighs when this joint becomes inflamed or injured.

Activities like climbing stairs, lifting objects, or twisting may worsen symptoms. Doctors typically recommend injections when conservative treatments fail to reduce discomfort.

Why Consider an Injection?

SI joint injections serve two purposes. First, they deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the problem area, calming irritation and swelling. Second, they help confirm whether the SI joint is the source of pain.

If your symptoms improve after the injection, it suggests the joint requires targeted care. This clarity guides future treatment decisions.

Preparing for the Procedure

Your doctor will give specific instructions, but most people follow these steps:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Avoid eating heavy meals two hours before the appointment.

• Arrange for someone to drive you home.

• Share a list of current medications, especially blood thinners.

You may feel nervous, but the process is quick and minimally invasive. Ask questions beforehand to ease your concerns.

During the Injection

You will lie face down on an exam table. The doctor cleans the skin near the SI joint and applies a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, they insert a thin needle into the joint and inject a mix of numbing medication and corticosteroids. Most people report mild pressure or a brief sting. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After the Procedure

Resting for 15 to 20 minutes at the recovery area is best. Nurses will monitor you for rare side effects like dizziness or allergic reactions. You may notice immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, but this wears off within hours.

The corticosteroids take 2 to 3 days to reduce inflammation. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, lifting, or prolonged sitting.

Results and Recovery

Pain relief varies. Some people experience weeks or months of improvement. Others need repeat injections or additional therapies like physical therapy.

Track your symptoms in a journal to discuss with your doctor. If the injection works, it confirms the SI joint as the pain source and opens doors to longer-term solutions.

Risks and Considerations

SI joint injections are low-risk. Minor side effects include temporary soreness, bruising, or a flushed face from corticosteroids. Severe complications like infection or nerve damage are rare.

Pregnant women or individuals with certain health conditions may not qualify. Your provider will review your medical history in advance to minimize risks.

Chronic pain wears on physical and emotional health. While no treatment guarantees a cure, SI joint injections offer a path to clearer answers and potential relief. This procedure could help you reclaim freedom.

For more on the sacroiliac joint injection procedure, visit Alicja Steiner, MD, at any of our San Diego or El Cajon, California, offices. Call (619) 304-1539 to schedule an appointment today.