The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a joint between the base of the spine and the pelvis. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on the right and one on the left. A sacroiliac joint injection can be used as both a diagnostic test and a treatment for sacroiliac joint related pain. Pain relief is usually short-lived, and although some people can get significant and lasting pain relief from these injections, it may not be a cure.
What is sacroiliac joint pain?
You may feel pain if a sacroiliac joint becomes injured. The pain may be minor, like muscle tension, or more severe. Injuries can occur to the cartilage inside of the joint or the ligaments surrounding it.
Joint pain can occur in different areas depending on which joint is affected. Sacroiliac joint pain can take place from your lower back to your buttocks. If a joint is very inflamed, pain may extend down the back of the leg, as well.
What is a sacroiliac joint injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection can be applied for both diagnosis and treatment. If the injection immediately lessens your pain and helps you move better, it tells the doctor which joint is causing the pain.
How is the Procedure performed?
The procedure will be done as a day patient procedure at a Private Hospital, or more often in a clinic. You will be advised of the time and place when the appointment is notified to you.
- You will need to be fasted for at least six hours before the procedure if sedation is required.
- It usually means nothing to eat from midnight the night before a morning procedure,
- You may have a light breakfast before 7 am.
- If you are on any blood-thinning agents such as warfarin
- You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and care for you for the next twenty-four hours.
- It may also bring relief if the SIJ is the cause of the pain.
What are the side effects of the procedure?
A common side effect of injections is slight tenderness and bruising at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days.
In some cases, people may feel increased pain for a few days after the injection but this should settle.
More significant side effects are rare but can include bleeding, infection, nerve injury and allergic reactions to the medications used in the procedure.
It is essential to seek medical help if you are feeling unwell.
How will I feel after the injection?
The steroid medication usually takes two to three days to take effect and typically peaks at one-two weeks.