The sacroiliac joint is where your pelvis joins with your sacrum, which contains the base of your spine. Due to a variety of disorders, this joint may become inflamed and restricted, causing pain when moving. Your doctor may recommend an injection to diagnose and alleviate this pain and dysfunction.
Similar to other joint injections, this is a simple outpatient procedure with a low recovery time. You will lay down on your stomach and the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the injection site. Using x-rays, they will then position the needle to the correct area, then inject a combination of an anesthetic and steroid to the affected area. Once complete, you will be observed for about 15 minutes before you go home. It is recommended that you have a ride to and from this appointment.
You may feel immediate relief after this procedure, but because the anesthetic provides much shorter-term relief, your pain will probably return. The steroid will take effect within 24-72 hours and should provide longer-term relief, lasting from a few weeks to several months, depending on the condition of your joint.
This is a routine procedure and, as such, is considered safe. There are some mild risks, which include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. You should inform your provider if you are on blood thinners, are immunosuppressed, have an active infection, or are pregnant, as these carry additional risks. If you are suffering from hip pain, call us today and we will work to alleviate your pain using a variety of disciplines and techniques.