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The sacroiliac joints lie next to the spine, and they connect the sacrum to the hip on both sides. These joints cause dimpling on each side of the lower back at the belt line. The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone that is formed by the fusion of several vertebrae during embryonic development. This bone is positioned at the lower end of the spine and right above the tailbone (coccyx).

The solution injected into the SI joint can be either a local anesthetic agent, a corticosteroid, or both. Sometimes, the LA pain doctor will injection a neurolytic agent, such as phenol. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic, which means the skin and deeper tissues are numbed before the needle is inserted into the joint. If you choose to receive sedation, a mild sedative will be given through an IV catheter.

When you arrive at the medical center, a nurse will review the risks and benefits of the injection and have you sign a consent form. You will be positioned face down on a special table. The nurse will attach vital sign monitoring devices to assess your oxygen level, heart rate, and blood pressure.

After the skin on the lower back is cleansed with an antiseptic solution, a small needle is used to numb the area. Once numb, the injection needle is placed into the joint using x-ray guidance. After the injection, the needle is removed by the Beverly Hills pain management doctor and the site is bandaged.

Right after the SI joint injection, you will notice that your pain is lessened or gone. This will only last a few hours, and is due to the local anesthetic. Pain at the injection site usually last around 24-48 hours. The pain relief from the corticosteroid usually begins after 36 hours. We recommend you do not do any heavy activities for the rest of the day, and use ice to relieve the lower back discomfort.

The first SI injection may not relieve your symptoms, or the pain may return in a week or two. The pain management specialist may request that you have more than one injection. Usually, a total of three injections in a six-month time frame are required for maximum benefits.

In a study where a steroid and anesthetic was used to treat SI joint pain, researchers found the sacroiliac joint injection to be a safe and effective treatment option. The overall success rate was 90%.