How to Treat SI Joint Pain

Lower back pain can have many origins, which is why determining the exact cause and executing proper treatment can be complicated. For example, there is a very specific treatment that provides pain relief for those experiencing inflammation in the sacroiliac joints (or SI joint).

These joints are located at the base of the spine or tailbone and connect these structures to the pelvis with very strong ligaments. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on the right and one on the left. The joints serve as a shock absorber and undergo wear and tear as we age.

Pain from this inflammation can be felt from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, groin, and legs. Sacroiliac joint pain can be felt on one or both sides of the body. Low back pain on one side is an early indication that the SI joint may be the culprit. Or pain can be felt in the lower back and pelvis and radiate down the back of the leg, often resembling sciatica.

SI joint pain makes it difficult to function in everyday life. It will cause difficulty when standing, walking, or changing positions from sitting to standing. Pain may be especially bad when climbing stairs or walking up an incline. It can be disruptive to sleep; when you feel pain from lying on the affected side for too long.

Contact National Spine & Pain Centers to schedule an appointment with an affiliated pain specialist today.

The challenging part of diagnosing SI joint inflammation is that pain in these areas is common and may often be caused by any number of other issues. So how can you know if you are dealing with SI joint dysfunction or, for example, a muscle pull? A healthcare professional may first treat your discomfort with medications or physical therapy.

Because sacroiliac joint dysfunction or arthritis in the sacroiliac joint does not respond to traditional pain treatments, a pain management specialist may utilize a treatment called a sacroiliac joint injection.

The injections have two purposes. First, they can properly diagnose the condition, and secondly, they can treat it. The injection itself is a mix of a steroid medication and anesthetics. The injection helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint, which reduces pain. Typically, a sacroliliac joint injection is performed along with fluoroscopy (X-ray) image to view and guide the needle through the joints.

This will reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months. The entire procedure lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a brief recovery time. For most patients, there will be sustained pain relief after two to three injections.

SI joint injections are not a permanent cure for joint pain, but they can provide long-lasting relief. Injections are a non-surgical treatment option for lower back pain.

Additional facts: 43% of people that have had spinal fusion and recurring back pain, actually have SI joint pain.

If you are experiencing this type of pain, make an appointment with one of the highly qualified affiliated pain management specialists at the National Spine & Pain Centers.