SI joint injections can pinpoint and alleviate this pain. Guided by fluoroscopy (x-ray imaging), a pain specialist injects a local anesthetic into the affected SI joint. If the anesthetic relieves the patient’s pain, the diagnosis is confirmed. Corticosteroid medication, a robust and long-acting medicine reduces inflammation and provides pain relief over an extended period, is also injected.
Immediate but temporary pain relief (lasting a few hours) may occur from the local anesthetic. The benefit from the corticosteroid will typically occur within two to four days following the procedure and may last for several months.
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is helpful in treating low back and inflammation.