The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis and help support the body during standing, walking, and movement. When an SI joint becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back and buttock, sometimes extending into the hip, groin, or upper thigh.
Sacroiliac joint steroid injections are minimally invasive treatments used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain coming from the SI joint. They can also provide valuable information about whether the SI joint is contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
How Do SI Joint Injections Work?
During the procedure, a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is carefully delivered into the affected SI joint. The local anesthetic can provide more immediate, temporary relief, while the corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation and provide relief that may last longer.
How you respond to the injection can also help your physician better understand whether the SI joint is contributing to your pain.
Who May Benefit From an SI Joint Injection?
SI joint injections may be considered for patients with persistent lower back or buttock pain when symptoms and examination findings suggest that the sacroiliac joint may be the source.
Because SI joint pain can resemble other causes of lower back pain, your physician will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination to determine whether an SI joint injection is appropriate.
What to Expect
SI joint injections are performed on an outpatient basis using live X-ray guidance to accurately position the needle within the joint. Contrast may be used to confirm proper placement before the medication is delivered.
The procedure itself is relatively brief, and patients return home afterward. Some temporary soreness around the injection area may occur. The amount and duration of pain relief can vary from person to person.
Supporting Your Recovery
Reducing SI joint pain can make walking, exercise, and everyday movement more comfortable. When appropriate, SI joint injections may be combined with physical therapy and other non-operative treatments to improve mobility, strength, and overall function.