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Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac Joint Injection: Effective Treatment for SI Joint Pain

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your lower spine to your pelvis and play a critical role in absorbing shock and transferring forces between your upper body and legs. When one or both SI joints become inflamed or dysfunctional, the result can be significant pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and even down the legs — symptoms that are often confused with sciatica or hip problems. A sacroiliac joint injection is both a precise diagnostic tool and an effective treatment that can provide meaningful relief. At Southwest Pain Management, Dr. Philip Morgan and our team specialize in identifying and treating SI joint dysfunction for patients throughout Southern California.

What Is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

A sacroiliac joint injection involves placing a combination of corticosteroid medication and local anesthetic directly into the SI joint under imaging guidance. This SI joint injection serves a dual purpose: it reduces inflammation within the joint to relieve pain, and it helps confirm whether the sacroiliac joint is truly the source of your symptoms. Because SI joint pain can mimic other conditions, this diagnostic benefit is invaluable for creating an accurate, effective treatment plan.

Conditions Treated with Sacroiliac Joint Injections

A sacroiliac joint injection may be recommended if you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having:

  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction— abnormal movement (too much or too little) in the SI joint causing pain
  • Sacroiliitis— inflammation of one or both SI joints
  • SI joint arthritis— degenerative changes within the sacroiliac joint
  • Post-pregnancy SI joint pain— hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy can stress the SI joints
  • SI joint pain following spinal fusion— adjacent segment stress after lumbar surgery
  • Ankylosing spondylitis— an inflammatory condition that can affect the SI joints
  • Traumatic SI joint injury— from falls, car accidents, or repetitive activities

How SI Joint Dysfunction Symptoms Present

SI joint dysfunction treatment begins with accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

  • Dull or sharp pain in the lower back, typically on one side
  • Pain in the buttocks, hips, or groin
  • Pain that radiates down the leg (often confused with sciatica)
  • Pain that worsens when standing up from a seated position, climbing stairs, or walking
  • Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis

What to Expect During a Sacroiliac Joint Injection

The sacroiliac joint injection is a quick outpatient procedure, typically completed in 15 to 20 minutes. You will lie face down on a procedure table, and the skin over the SI joint will be cleaned and numbed. Dr. Morgan uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to precisely direct a needle into the sacroiliac joint. Contrast dye confirms accurate placement before the medication is delivered. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the injection — many describe it as less painful than they expected.

Recovery and Results

After your SI joint injection, you may experience immediate but temporary pain relief from the local anesthetic. The corticosteroid typically takes three to seven days to reach its full effect. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and usually resolves within a day. Most patients can return home shortly after the procedure and resume light activities within 24 hours. If the injection significantly reduces your pain, it confirms the SI joint as the source of your symptoms and can guide future treatment decisions, including radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections

  • Precisely targets the SI joint as the pain source
  • Provides both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic relief
  • Minimally invasive with no incisions
  • Quick procedure with rapid recovery
  • Reduces the need for systemic pain medications
  • Results help guide additional treatment options if needed

Sacroiliac-pain

Get Expert SI Joint Pain Treatment at Southwest Pain Management

If you suspect your lower back, buttock, or hip pain may be coming from your sacroiliac joint, do not wait to seek answers. Southwest Pain Management offers sacroiliac joint injections at our offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills, and Hawthorne, serving patients across the Los Angeles area and all of Southern California. With over 30 years of pain management expertise, Dr. Philip Morgan understands how to accurately diagnose and effectively treat SI joint dysfunction. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey toward lasting relief.

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FAQs

How long does a sacroiliac joint injection take?

The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Including preparation and post-procedure monitoring, plan on spending about one hour at our office.

Is an SI joint injection painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort. A local anesthetic numbs the area before the injection, and many patients say the procedure is easier than they anticipated. Sedation is available for those who prefer it.

How long does pain relief from a sacroiliac joint injection last?

Relief varies by individual. Many patients experience several weeks to several months of significant pain improvement. If the injection provides good but temporary relief, radiofrequency ablation of the SI joint nerves may offer longer-lasting results.

What are the side effects of an SI joint injection?

Side effects are generally mild and temporary. They may include soreness at the injection site, temporary leg numbness, or a brief increase in blood sugar for diabetic patients. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced physician.

How much does a sacroiliac joint injection cost?

The cost varies based on your insurance plan. Most insurance providers and Medicare cover sacroiliac joint injections when medically necessary. Our billing team will verify your coverage and discuss costs before your procedure.

How do I know if my pain is coming from the SI joint?

SI joint pain typically presents as one-sided lower back or buttock pain that can radiate down the leg. It often worsens when transitioning from sitting to standing or climbing stairs. A sacroiliac joint injection is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool — if the injection significantly reduces your pain, it confirms the SI joint as the source.

Can sacroiliac joint injections help me avoid surgery?

For many patients, yes. SI joint injections, often combined with physical therapy and potentially radiofrequency ablation, can provide enough relief to avoid surgical intervention. Surgery is typically considered only after conservative and interventional treatments have been thoroughly explored.