When sacroiliac (SI) joints get inflamed or irritated, they cause pain in your lower back, buttocks, and sometimes down your leg. This is when your pain specialist might recommend to get a sacroiliac (SI) joint injection.
Since these joints connect hip bones to the spine, the pain usually feels worse when you:
- Stand up from sitting
- Climb stairs
- Walk for long periods
- Sleep on the affected side
How Do You Know if Sacroiliac Joint Injection is Right for You?
First, you need a proper diagnosis to decide whether the Sacroiliac Joint Injection in Leesburg is right for you. Not all lower back pain comes from sacroiliac joint problems. Your doctor will check your symptoms and may do some physical tests.
Signs of Sacroiliac Joint Issues:
- Only one side of your lower back hurts
- Pain that gets worse with certain movements
- Stiffness in the morning
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
What Happens When Getting a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
Your pain management doctor uses a thin needle to inject medicine directly into the sacroiliac joint space. This medicine usually contains:
- A numbing agent (like lidocaine)
- Anti-inflammatory medication (steroid)
The SI joint injection procedure is completed within around 10 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be asked to rest for 15-30 minutes for observation and recovery. Most patients go home the same day once observation is complete.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection?
You might be the right candidate for a sacroiliac joint injection if:
- Conservative treatments haven’t worked after 6-8 weeks
- Physical therapy didn’t provide enough relief
- Pain medications aren’t helping much
- Your daily activities are seriously affected
SI joint injection treatment might not be right for you if:
- You have an active infection
- You’re pregnant
- You have bleeding problems
- Your pain is clearly coming from somewhere else
What About Natural Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment?
Before considering injections, most doctors may prescribe the following natural treatments to reduce pain in your sacroiliac joints:
- Physical therapy and specific exercises
- Heat and ice therapy
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- Massage therapy
These methods work well for some people, but others need more targeted joint pain treatment.
How to Make the Best Choice for Your SI Joint Pain
Talk openly with your healthcare provider about your joint pain levels and how they affect your life. Be honest about what treatments you’ve already tried and what your previous doctors have prescribed for sacroiliac joint pain relief.
Each person’s experience with pain is different. What works great for your friend’s joint pain might not be the best choice for you. You need to find an SI joint paint treatment plan that fits your specific situation and gets you back to doing the things you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pain relief last after a sacroiliac joint injection?
Most people experience relief for 3-6 months after getting sacroiliac joint injections, but some get longer-lasting results up to a year. The duration of SI joint pain relief changes based on individual factors and the severity of your condition.
Is the sacroiliac joint injection procedure painful?
No, you’ll feel only a small pinch from the numbing shot, which feels similar to getting blood drawn. Most patients getting SI joint injection say the procedure is much more comfortable than they expected, and any discomfort is brief.
Can I drive myself home after the injection?
No, it’s best to arrange for someone to drive you home after getting a sacroiliac (SI) joint injection. The numbing medicine can temporarily affect your leg strength, which makes it unsafe to drive for a few hours after the procedure.
