Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection

A Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Steroid Injection is a minimally invasive procedure that helps diagnose and relieve pain caused by inflammation or dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint—the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis. By delivering a combination of corticosteroid and anesthetic medication directly into the joint, this injection can reduce inflammation, ease pain in the lower back or buttocks, and improve mobility. For many patients, it provides both diagnostic value and therapeutic relief.

Quick Facts

  • Setting: Outpatient, image-guided
  • Time: ~20–30 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with optional light sedation
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge; mild soreness may occur
  • Duration of relief: Weeks to months; may be repeated as needed

Who It Helps

  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or arthritis
  • Chronic lower back, buttock, or hip pain
  • Pain worsened by sitting, standing, or stair climbing
  • Inflammation or instability following trauma or surgery
  • Diagnostic confirmation of SI joint as a pain source

How It Works

The sacroiliac joints bear the load of the upper body and transfer weight to the pelvis and legs. When these joints become inflamed or misaligned, they can cause localized or radiating pain. During an SI joint injection, your provider uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to position a thin needle into the joint space. A corticosteroid and local anesthetic mixture is then injected to decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and help confirm whether the SI joint is responsible for your symptoms.

What To Expect

  • Before: Your provider will review your medical history and imaging. You may need to stop certain medications before the procedure.
  • During: You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach. After the area is cleaned and numbed, your provider inserts a small needle into the SI joint using imaging guidance and delivers the medication.
  • After: You’ll rest briefly before going home. Mild soreness or numbness may occur for 1–2 days. Pain relief often develops gradually as inflammation subsides over the next few days.

Benefits & Risks

Benefits:

  • Reduces inflammation and pain at the joint
  • Helps confirm the SI joint as the pain source
  • Improves flexibility and daily function
  • Minimally invasive and quick recovery

Risks:

  • Temporary increase in pain or soreness
  • Infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction (rare)
  • Nerve irritation or leg numbness (temporary)

Is It Right For Me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Chronic lower back or buttock pain related to SI joint dysfunction
  • ✅ Pain worsens with standing, sitting, or transitional movements
  • ✅ Diagnostic confirmation of SI joint pain needed before fusion
  • ✅ Seeking nonsurgical pain relief option

Alternatives At PCET

FAQs

  • When will I feel pain relief? Some patients experience immediate temporary relief, while steroid benefits develop within several days.
  • How long does it last? Relief can last several weeks to months depending on your condition.
  • Can it be repeated? Yes, injections can be safely repeated if pain recurs.
  • Is it painful? Most patients report minimal discomfort; the area is numbed beforehand.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover SI joint injections when medically indicated.

What Happens Next?

After a Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection, your provider will review how your pain responds and whether you notice improvement in standing, walking, sitting, or daily activities.

If you experience meaningful relief, your provider may discuss follow-up care, physical therapy, functional rehabilitation, or whether another treatment could help support your progress.

If you do not get the relief you were hoping for, that does not mean you are out of options. Your provider may reassess whether your pain is coming from another source or whether a different treatment path may be more appropriate.

Possible next steps may include:

  • Reviewing your symptoms and imaging again
  • Evaluating other possible pain sources
  • Additional diagnostic testing when appropriate
  • A different injection or procedure
  • Physical therapy or functional rehabilitation
  • Other treatment options available through PCET

The goal is to better understand your pain and determine the next best step for your care.

📞 Call to Schedule

If you’re struggling with lower back or hip pain that may be caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection may help. Call us at 865-934-2567 to schedule your appointment today.