Sacroiliac Joint Injections

About This Treatment

Before receiving a sacroiliac joint injection, the patient is positioned on their stomach and the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic. The injection, which consists of local anesthetic and steroid, is administered using continuous X-ray equipment and takes only a few minutes.

What to expect following a sacroiliac joint injection

The local anesthetic typically reduces pain within 10 minutes and should last up to six hours. The corticosteroid, which takes longer to reduce pain, should offer relief within one to five days. When pain relief takes effect, a physical therapy program may be recommended for improved mobility and long-term correction of the joint issues.

If the sacroiliac joint injection is successful in reducing or eliminating the patient's pain for an extended time, it may be repeated up to three times per year.

What is a sacroiliac joint injection?

A sacroiliac joint injection, sometimes called a sacroiliac nerve block, is an injection of anesthetic with a long-lasting steroid in the sacroiliac joints. These joints are 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.

The injected steroid reduces the inflammation in the joint space. This can reduce pain and other symptoms caused by inflammation.