Sacroiliac Joint Injection: A Treatment Overview
Welcome to NovaSpine Pain Institute
At NovaSpine Pain Institute, we specialize in innovative pain management solutions to help you achieve a better quality of life. One effective treatment we offer is the sacroiliac joint injection, designed to relieve pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis. This procedure can provide significant pain relief and help improve mobility.
What Is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection involves the administration of medication directly into the sacroiliac joint. This joint can become a source of pain due to various conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Injury or trauma
- Inflammation
- Pregnancy-related changes
By delivering a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics, this injection aims to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
How Does the Sacroiliac Joint Injection Work?
The injection targets the sacroiliac joint, which can become inflamed and painful due to various factors. The corticosteroid helps to reduce inflammation, while the local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief. This combination can significantly decrease discomfort and improve function.
The Procedure
1. Preparation: Before the injection, you will have a consultation with our specialists to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any previous treatments. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be reviewed to identify the source of your pain.
2. Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be applied to the skin at the injection site.
3. Needle Placement: Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray), the physician will carefully insert a needle into the sacroiliac joint.
4. Injection: Once the needle is in place, a mixture of corticosteroid and local anesthetic will be injected into the joint.
5. Recovery: After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day, though some may experience mild soreness at the injection site.
Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections
- Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant relief from pain, allowing them to return to daily activities and improve their quality of life.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is non-surgical, typically involving less risk and a quicker recovery time compared to surgical options.
- Improved Mobility: By alleviating pain, these injections can enhance movement and function in daily life.
- Diagnostic Insight: If pain relief is achieved, it helps confirm that the sacroiliac joint is the source of your pain, guiding further treatment options.
What to Expect After the Injection
Following a sacroiliac joint injection, you may experience:
- Follow-Up Care: Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and discuss additional treatment options if necessary.
- Initial Discomfort: Some soreness at the injection site is normal and usually resolves within a few days.
- Variable Pain Relief: Pain relief may begin immediately or take a few days to develop. The duration of relief can vary, lasting from weeks to several months.
Risks and Considerations
Sacroiliac joint injections are generally safe, but potential risks and side effects may include:
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reactions to the medication
- Temporary increases in pain
- Rarely, nerve damage
Our specialists will discuss these risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with the treatment.
Why Choose NovaSpine?
- Expert Care: Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience in performing sacroiliac joint injections and managing various pain conditions.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We understand that each patient’s experience with pain is unique, and our treatment plans are tailored to meet your specific needs.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis to recovery, our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your treatment journey.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
If you are suffering from sacroiliac joint pain and are considering an injection as a treatment option, contact NovaSpine Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore your options and find a path to lasting relief. Let us work together to help you regain control of your life.