Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Chronic lower back pain can be debilitating, especially when it radiates down the hips, buttocks, or legs. For many individuals, this pain is caused by inflammation or dysfunction in the sacroiliac (SI) joints, which are located where the spine meets the pelvis. Sacroiliac Joint Injections are a highly effective treatment option for managing this type of pain. Dr. Vadim Lipel, an experienced pain management specialist in Encino, California, offers SI joint injections to help patients reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing them to return to their daily activities.

What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

A Sacroiliac Joint Injection is a minimally invasive procedure where a combination of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the sacroiliac joints. The SI joints are located in the lower back, where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects with the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints help support and stabilize the body while allowing movement and flexibility.

When the SI joints become inflamed or irritated—due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degeneration—they can cause significant lower back, hip, and leg pain. A Sacroiliac Joint Injection helps reduce this inflammation, providing pain relief and allowing the patient to regain function and mobility.

Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injection

• Pain Relief: The primary benefit of SI joint injections is their ability to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back and hips. The local anesthetic provides immediate relief, while the corticosteroid works over time to reduce inflammation and promote longer-term relief.
• Improved Mobility: By alleviating pain, SI joint injections can help improve mobility and restore the ability to perform everyday activities such as walking, bending, or sitting comfortably.
• Non-Surgical Treatment: This procedure is a non-invasive alternative to surgery, allowing patients to experience significant pain relief without the risks and recovery time associated with surgical interventions.
• Minimized Side Effects: Unlike oral pain medications, which can have systemic side effects, SI joint injections deliver medication directly to the source of the pain, minimizing potential side effects and providing more targeted relief.
• Diagnostic Tool: In some cases, the injection is used as a diagnostic tool to determine whether the SI joint is the true source of the pain. If the injection provides significant relief, it can confirm that the SI joint is the primary cause of the discomfort.

How the Procedure Works

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The process is done under local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.

1. Preparation: Dr. Vadim Lipel will begin by performing a thorough evaluation, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical examination to determine if the SI joint is the source of your pain.
2. Imaging Guidance: To ensure accuracy, the procedure is often guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound. This allows Dr. Lipel to precisely locate the SI joint and ensure that the injection is administered to the correct area.
3. Injection: Once the needle is positioned near the SI joint, Dr. Lipel will inject a combination of a local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation and provide long-term pain relief). The injection usually takes just a few minutes to complete.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the injection, you may experience some soreness or bruising at the injection site, which is normal. Dr. Lipel will provide specific aftercare instructions, and most patients are able to resume their regular activities within a day or two. Some patients may experience immediate relief, while the full effects of the corticosteroid may take several days to develop.

What to Expect After the Injection

Most patients will experience immediate pain relief due to the anesthetic used during the procedure. The full benefit of the corticosteroid, which helps reduce inflammation, may take several days to fully take effect.

While some temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site is common, these symptoms typically resolve quickly. In some cases, patients may experience significant pain relief for weeks to months, allowing them to enjoy improved function and quality of life. However, the duration of relief can vary from person to person.

Dr. Lipel may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine if additional injections or other treatments are necessary for continued relief.

Is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection Right for You?

A Sacroiliac Joint Injection is an excellent treatment option for individuals who are experiencing:

• Lower back pain that radiates to the hips, buttocks, or legs
• Pain from SI joint inflammation or dysfunction
• Pain that is unresponsive to physical therapy, medications, or other treatments
• Conditions such as arthritis, sacroiliitis, or injury to the SI joints

If you are suffering from chronic lower back pain and suspect that your SI joints may be the cause, a Sacroiliac Joint Injection can provide effective, targeted relief. Dr. Vadim Lipel will carefully evaluate your condition to determine whether this procedure is the right choice for you.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re living with chronic lower back pain, a Sacroiliac Joint Injection may offer the relief you need to return to your normal activities. Dr. Vadim Lipel’s expertise in pain management and commitment to individualized care ensure that you will receive the best possible treatment. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how an SI joint injection can help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.