The sacroiliac joints (SI joints) connect the spine to the pelvis, absorbing weight and shifts from the upper body to reduce stress on the hips and pelvis. Degenerative diseases like arthritis can cause SI joint discomfort and inflammation, resulting in lower back, hip, groin and leg pain. SI joint problems are commonly misdiagnosed, as the symptoms can mimic sciatica and other spinal issues. Hanowell Spine Clinic can use SI joint injections as a diagnostic and pain relief tool for those experiencing chronic pain symptoms.
The SI joint can deteriorate like any other joint does. While its range of movement is small, it is under stress from the weight of the upper body. Symptoms are often misdiagnosed as lumbar back or sciatic nerve pain. SI joint injections can identify if the source of the symptoms are located within the SI joint or if another issue is present. If SI joint injections offer relief, a long-term treatment plan can be created to address the health of the SI joint.
Reducing SI Joint Pain
To perform an SI joint injection, the needle is guided into the SI joint with x-ray imaging. A local anesthetic and a steroid are delivered into the joint. The local anesthetic will offer immediate pain relief if symptoms are stemming from the SI joint. The steroid injection can reduce inflammation over the next few days. Many patients with SI joint pain experience relief after one or two injections. The site of the injection may be slightly sore, but the pain is temporary, and patients can return to their normal activities within a day.
If you have pain in the lower back, hip, groin and legs, you may have SI joint deterioration. Our team at Hanowell Spine Clinic can help identify the source of your pain and offer minimally-invasive treatment options. We use SI joint injections and other diagnostic tools and treatments at our clinic in Covington, GA, to give our patients chronic pain relief. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.