Lower back pain is confusing. Sometimes it feels muscular; other times it stabs like nerve pain. You might think it’s your spine, your hip, or something random like your posture. But the sacroiliac joint is frequently the true issue.
You probably don’t hear people talk about it much, but when it’s inflamed or irritated, it can mess with everything like walking, sitting, and even sleeping.
If this kind of pain sounds familiar and nothing else is working, your doctor might suggest a sacroiliac joint injection. Sounds intense? Not really. It’s a targeted treatment that might bring real relief when you’re dealing with stubborn, hard-to-pinpoint pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection
A sacroiliac joint injection is a procedure where a mix of a numbing medication and a steroid is injected directly into the sacroiliac joint, and that small joint where your spine meets your pelvis. It’s done using imaging guidance so the doctor can see exactly where to place the needle. The goal is simple: reduce inflammation and confirm that the SI joint is actually the source of your pain.
This injection is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Which is a fancy way of saying it helps figure out what’s wrong and might also help fix it.
When Is It Needed?
Doctors don’t jump straight to injections. Usually, it’s recommended when:
- You’ve had ongoing lower back, hip, or buttock pain that hasn’t responded to basic treatments like rest, ice, or physical therapy.
- You’ve tried medications, maybe even massage or chiropractic care, and nothing sticks.
- Pain gets worse with standing, walking uphill, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
- There’s suspicion that the SI joint is involved, but it needs confirmation.
Sometimes, it’s also used after spine surgery, especially if new or unusual pain pops up after a lumbar fusion.
How It Works
The procedure, when done by a professional pain management doctor or surgeon, is pretty quick, usually 20 to 30 minutes. Here’s what happens:
- You lie face down. The doctor cleans the skin and numbs the area with a local anesthetic.
- Using live X-ray guidance, a needle is placed into the sacroiliac joint.
- To verify placement, a tiny quantity of contrast dye is injected.
- Then comes the combination of steroid and numbing medication, which is delivered into the joint.
You might feel pressure. Maybe a quick pinch. Many patients find sacroiliac joint injection tolerable and say that the discomfort usually passes quickly.
Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Pinpoints the source of your pain
- Reduces inflammation in the SI joint
- Offers relief that can last from a few weeks to a few months
- Helps you participate more comfortably in physical therapy or daily activity
- May reduce the need for oral medications, including opioids
Who Can Opt for Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
This treatment may be right for people who:
- Have chronic lower back or pelvic pain
- Experience pain that radiates into the buttocks or upper legs
- Feel pain that gets worse with certain movements or prolonged standing
- Have had limited success with other conservative treatments
- Are being evaluated for more permanent options like radiofrequency ablation or surgery
The Bottom Line
Back pain can be a mystery. And it wears you down when it just won’t go away. A sacroiliac joint injection isn’t a magic fix, but it’s often an important step toward understanding and treating what’s going on. It’s targeted. It’s minimally invasive. And for the right person, it can offer real relief and clarity.
If nothing else has worked, and you’re tired of guessing, it might be time to take a closer look at your SI joint.
