Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Background – The sacroiliac (SI) joint is an often-overlooked source of low back pain. The sacroiliac joint is where the low back (sacrum) meets the hips (ilium). Some studies estimate the SI joint is responsible for up to 30% of low back pain. Pain from the SI joint can refer to the hips, to the groin, or down the leg similar to sciatica. The SI joint acts as a capstone between the low back and the pelvis. The joint is reinforced with strong ligaments so there is typically very little motion at the SI joint. Risk factors for sacroiliac joint dysfunction include a change in biomechanics and force load following lumbar spine fusion and pelvic changes after pregnancy and childbirth.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection – A SI joint injection can help diagnose the cause of low back pain. If the pain significantly improves with the local anesthetic, we know the SI joint is a significant source of the pain. If the injection contains corticosteroid, it can potentially be therapeutic as well by decreasing inflammation.