An SI joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac (SI) joint, located where the spine connects to the pelvis. This joint can become inflamed due to injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or repetitive stress, leading to lower back, buttock, or leg pain. An SI joint injection helps confirm whether the joint is the source of pain and delivers anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area for direct relief.
For this procedure, you will lie on your stomach or your side and are given medication for relaxation. The skin and tissue at the injection site is numbed and your physician inserts the needle, carefully guiding it to the sympathetic nerves. We typically use an x-ray device called a “fluoroscope”, which shows a video image of the needle’s position. Contrast dye may be injected to help confirm the needle placement. Your physician will then inject the medicine. It can numb the nerves and reduce inflammation. If these nerves have been a source of pain, the medicine can relieve it. When the procedure is complete, the needle is removed, and the injection site is covered with a bandage and you will be monitored for a brief time before going home.
After a lumbar sympathetic block, many people experience some leg numbness or weakness. This is normal and usually lasts for only a few hours. It is common for patients to require additional injections in the future.
Visit New York Pain Medicine Associate to see if a sympathetic nerve block is the right treatment for your lower back pain.