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Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Injections for Lower Back Pain

Learn how sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain help treat conditions causing pain in the lower back and legs.

October 18, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Chronic lower back pain is a widespread issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. One of the lesser-known but significant causes of lower back and leg pain is sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Understanding sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain is essential for those looking for targeted, effective relief from this condition. At Central Florida Interventional Pain Clinic (CFIPain), we offer sacroiliac joint injections to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the quality of life for our patients.

What is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a large joint located at the base of the spine where the sacrum (the triangular bone between the lumbar spine and tailbone) connects to the pelvis. These joints play a crucial role in transferring weight from the upper body to the legs and maintaining stability when walking or standing. However, when the SI joint becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to significant lower back pain that radiates to the hips, buttocks, and legs.

Understanding sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain begins with recognizing how these joints contribute to overall spinal function and stability. Dysfunction or inflammation in the SI joint can cause pain that is often mistaken for other conditions, such as a herniated disc or sciatica.

Conditions Treated by Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Sacroiliac joint injections are used to treat a variety of conditions that cause lower back and leg pain. These injections provide relief by targeting the inflammation or dysfunction within the SI joint. Some of the most common conditions treated with sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain include:

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Also known as SI joint syndrome, this condition occurs when the sacroiliac joints become inflamed or irritated due to abnormal movement, overuse, or injury. Patients often experience pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks, which may radiate down into the legs. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is commonly caused by physical activities that place stress on the SI joint, such as running, heavy lifting, or even prolonged sitting.

Arthritis of the Sacroiliac Joint: Like other joints in the body, the SI joint can be affected by osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage in the joint can wear down, causing the bones to rub together and leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. SI joint arthritis is more common in older adults and can significantly impact mobility and comfort.

Sacroiliitis: Sacroiliitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, trauma, pregnancy, or autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Sacroiliitis often results in pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs.

Pregnancy-Related SI Joint Pain: During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the added weight of the baby can lead to increased strain on the SI joints. This can cause lower back pain that radiates into the hips and legs. Sacroiliac joint injections are a safe and effective treatment option for relieving pregnancy-related SI joint pain.

By understanding sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain, patients can explore a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment option that targets the root cause of their discomfort.

How Sacroiliac Joint Injections Work

Sacroiliac joint injections involve delivering a combination of corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medication) and local anesthetic directly into the SI joint. This targeted approach reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and improves function in the affected joint. The anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the area, while the corticosteroid works over time to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how the procedure works:

1. Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the injection site is cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and surrounding tissues.

2. X-ray Guidance: Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the physician carefully inserts a needle into the sacroiliac joint. This imaging technology ensures that the medication is delivered precisely to the area causing pain.

3. Injection: Once the needle is properly placed, a mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic is injected into the joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation over the following days or weeks.

4. Post-Procedure: After the injection, patients may be monitored for a short period before being allowed to go home. Most patients can resume their normal activities within 24 hours, although strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days.

Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections

One of the key advantages of sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain is their ability to provide targeted relief without the need for more invasive procedures like surgery. The injections offer several important benefits:

Immediate Pain Relief: The anesthetic in the injection provides rapid pain relief, which can allow patients to resume their daily activities more comfortably.

Long-Lasting Effects: While the anesthetic provides short-term relief, the corticosteroid works over time to reduce inflammation and offer longer-lasting results. Some patients experience relief that lasts for several months.

Minimally Invasive: Sacroiliac joint injections are a minimally invasive treatment option that can be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is quick, and recovery time is minimal.

Improved Mobility and Function: By reducing pain and inflammation in the SI joint, patients can regain mobility and perform activities that were previously limited by their pain.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Benefits: In addition to providing pain relief, sacroiliac joint injections can also be used as a diagnostic tool. If the injection relieves pain, it confirms that the SI joint is the source of the discomfort, helping guide further treatment options.

Who is a Good Candidate for Sacroiliac Joint Injections?

If you are experiencing chronic lower back pain that radiates into the hips or legs, you may be a good candidate for sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found relief from other treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Ideal candidates for sacroiliac joint injections include:

• Patients with SI joint dysfunction or arthritis

• Individuals experiencing lower back pain due to sacroiliitis

• Pregnant women suffering from pregnancy-related SI joint pain

• Those who want to avoid more invasive treatments, such as surgery

At Central Florida Interventional Pain Clinic, our specialists will evaluate your condition to determine if sacroiliac joint injections are the right treatment option for your specific pain.

Risks and Side Effects

While sacroiliac joint injections are generally safe, there are some risks and side effects to consider. Common side effects include temporary soreness at the injection site, mild bleeding, or allergic reactions. Serious complications, such as infection or nerve damage, are rare but can occur. At CFIPain, we take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a safe procedure for our patients.

Conclusion

Chronic lower back and leg pain can significantly impact your daily life, but understanding sacroiliac joint injections for lower back pain provides a path to targeted relief. By addressing the root cause of SI joint pain, these injections offer both immediate and long-lasting relief for patients suffering from conditions like SI joint dysfunction, sacroiliitis, and arthritis.

If you’re struggling with lower back pain and want to explore your options for non-surgical treatment, contact Central Florida Interventional Pain Clinic today to learn more about sacroiliac joint injections and how they can help you find relief.

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