SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTIONS

What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection is an injection of an anesthetic with a long lasting steroid in the Sacroiliac joint(s). The sacroiliac joints are located in the back where the lumbosacral spine joins the pelvis (your tailbone). They are paired (right and left) and are surrounded by a joint capsule much like your finger joints.

What is the purpose of it?
The steroid injected reduces the inflammation in the joint space. This can reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation.

How long does the injection take?
The actual injection takes only a few minutes.

What is actually injected?
The injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetic (like novocaine) and the steroid medication. Many times prior to injecting the medicine, a small volume of contrast dye is used to confirm proper needle placement.

How is the injection performed?
It is done with the patient lying on the stomach with fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance (see accompanying image). The skin in the back is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the injection is performed. After the injection, you are placed on your back or on your side.

What should I expect after the injection?
Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will last for a few to several hours. Your pain may return and you may have a sore back or neck for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion as well as initial irritation from the steroid itself. You should start noticing pain relief starting the 3rd to 5th day.

What should I do after the procedure?
You should have a ride home. We advise patients to take it easy for the day of the procedure. Applying ice to the affected area sometimes helps ease the initial soreness. After the first day, you can perform activity as tolerated.

Can I go to work to work the next day?
Yes. Unless there are complications, you should be able to return to your work the next day. The most common thing you may feel is soreness in the neck or back.

How long the effect of the medication lasts?
The immediate effect is usually from the local anesthetic injected. This wears off in a few hours. The cortisone starts working in about 5 to 7 days and its effect can last for several days to many months.

<< back