Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac Joint Injection is an injection of an anesthetic with a long lasting steroid mixture into the sacroiliac joints, which are located in the back where the lumbosacral spine joins the pelvis. They are paired (right and left), are surrounded by a joint capsule like the finger joints. There steroid mixture reduces inflammation in the joint space. Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will generally last for a few hours. Your pain may return and you may have a sore back/neck for a day or two thereafter. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion as well as initial irritation from the steroid itself. Relief may not be noticeable until the third to fifth day, and can last anywhere from a few days too many months. Some possible side effects include discomfort (most common), fluid retention, weight gain, increased blood sugar (mainly diabetics), elevated blood pressure, among others. Fortunately, serious side effects and complications are uncommon. Should you have any concerns, please contact our office.