Sacroiliac Joint Injection
A sacroiliac joint injection is designed to diagnose and treat pain and inflammation from sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Either too much or too little movement in one of the sacroiliac joints, which are located at the bottom of the spine on each side of the sacrum, can cause lower back pain and/or leg pain.
Please play video for a more detailed understanding for what to expect during the procedure.
Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:
If you are currently on antibiotics or being treated for an infection, please call the office prior to your injection appointment.
PRE-OP:
You have been scheduled for Sacroiliac Joint injection which is useful to provide relief of the pain associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The injection is performed using the same technique as a diagnostic SI joint injection, except that anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) is included in the injection to provide pain relief by reducing inflammation within the joint.
You will be receiving an injection of local anesthetic, corticosteroids, and a small amount of contrast dye. Please inform us if you have had any previous adverse reactions to the above-listed medications.
The local anesthetic effect can last for several hours after your injection, and you may experience temporary numbness or weakness. We advise that you refrain from driving the day of your procedure. Please bring a driver to your appointment, they must stay in the facility for the duration of the procedure.
MODERATE SEDATION: On the day of your appointment, we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking 6 hours prior to your appointment time if you are receiving sedation. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled with a small sip of water.
NO SEDATION: Please refrain from having a large meal prior to your appointment. You may have light food and/or beverages. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled.
If you have anxiety about your scheduled office procedure and prefer to have a light sedative prescribed to take before your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. IV sedatives are available if your procedure is scheduled at Apex Surgical Center or Specialty Surgery Center of CNY.
If you are on any blood thinning medications (Plavix®, Coumadin®, Aggrenox®, Lovenox®, Xarelto®, aspirin), please notify our office so that we may give you specific instructions about the length of time you need to discontinue these medications.
POST-OP:
It is common to experience mild soreness at the injection site(s) for 24–48 hours. Ice is the best remedy. You may apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, as needed.
Avoid heat to the injection area for 72 hours. No hot packs, saunas, or steam rooms during this time. A regular shower is OK.
You may immediately restart your regular medication regimen, including pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and blood thinners.
Please remove the sterile dressing or band-aid tonight or tomorrow morning. Do not leave it on after you have taken a shower or gotten it wet.
Corticosteroid side effects can occur after this injection but usually resolve after several days. These side effects can include flushing, hot flashes, mild palpitations, insomnia, water retention, feeling anxious or restless, or headaches.
Remember that the corticosteroid benefit (long-term pain relief) from an injection can take as long as 10 days to occur. You may have a period of slightly increased pain after your injection before the cortisone takes effect.
You may resume all of your normal daily activities 24 hours after your injection.
The Sacroiliac Joint Injection treatments are relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of the injection with a doctor prior to this treatment.
Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss with your Doctor if you are a candidate for these services or contact one of our care representatives with questions at 315-451-5400.