Sacroiliac Joint Injection

A sacroiliac joint injection may be recommended for patients experiencing axial low back pain for an extended period of time. The sacroiliac joints link the lower spine to the pelvis. They are weight-bearing structures and may become irritated or dysfunctional due for various reasons.

The most common causes of sacroiliac pain include osteoarthritis and leg length discrepancy. Sacroiliac dysfunction is a common source of low back pain and can present in younger and older populations. Sacroiliac injection can help relieve sacroiliac pain and results in improved daily function. This procedure is done for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Preparation for the procedure and recovery from the injection will take additional time.

Frequently asked questions

What to expect

• An evaluation from a pain management physician.
• A detailed description of the procedure.
• A discussion about potential risks, benefits, and any alternative treatments.
• This is an opportunity to have all of your concerns addressed and questions answered to your satisfaction.

Planning for the procedure

• Do not eat solid food for at least six hours before the procedure.
• You may have clear liquids up until two hours before the procedure.
• You may take your prescribed medications for other medical conditions with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure.
• If you are taking a blood thinner medication, please ask the physician who prescribed the medication for directions on stopping it before scheduling the procedure.
• Do not take pain medication on the day of your procedure. If you are taking an opiate medication for pain, please ask the pain management physician how best to schedule taking it.
• If you take a diabetic medication, you must discuss with your primary care doctor how best to take your medicine since you will be going without food for at least six hours.
• Bring all your medications with you. You will be able to take them as usual after the procedure.
• Tell the doctor or staff about your allergies, including medications, seafood, shellfish, latex, or x-ray dyes.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may be given a mildly sedating medication, and driving or operating heavy machinery will be unsafe until the following day.

On the day of the procedure

When you arrive:

• Someone will verify that you have followed the planning instructions and that you have a ride home with an adult driver.
• Tell the doctor or staff if you are or believe you might be pregnant.
• You will have an IV (intravenous) line placed to provide fluids and medication to help you relax if needed.
• You will be asked to lie on your stomach on the operating table, and equipment to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen will be applied.
• The back will be washed with a sterile scrub.
• Your skin will be numbed with a local anesthetic for comfort.
• X-ray images will be used to guide the proper placement of the needle.
• Once the site is located, medication to numb the joint and possibly a steroid will be injected.

Immediately after the procedure:

• You will be in a recovery room for 30-60 minutes for observation. A nurse will check your vital signs and offer you a snack.
• You will be given discharge instructions.
• You will be asked to immediately begin reporting the level and duration of the pain relief.