Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are used to diagnose and treat SI joint dysfunction. Located in the lower back and pelvis, the SI joints can become inflamed from degenerative spine disease, arthritis, or a traumatic lower back injury. An injection can confirm the joint as the source of pain and relieve it.

Illustration of the pelvis and lower spine highlighting the SI joints

What Are SI Joint Injections?

The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine to the pelvis. When they become inflamed, they can cause pain low in the back, in the buttock, and sometimes in the groin or thigh.
 
An SI joint injection places medication directly into the joint under X-ray guidance. Injections can be diagnostic, to confirm the joint as the source, or therapeutic, to relieve the pain. See SI joint pain.

Conditions SI Joint Injections Treat

This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.

SI joint painInflammation or dysfunction of the SI joint. Spinal arthritisArthritis affecting the SI joint. Back painLow back and buttock pain. Failed back surgery syndromeSI joint stress after a lumbar fusion.
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Diagnostic Injections

When inflammation of the SI joint is thought to be the cause of symptoms, a physician may perform an SI joint injection to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Using X-ray guidance to ensure proper needle placement, a powerful numbing agent is delivered directly into the joint.
 
A significant, near-immediate improvement makes it highly likely the targeted joint was the cause. A second injection with a different anesthetic may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
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Clinician pointing to the SI joint on a pelvis model

Therapeutic Injections

Individuals diagnosed with SI joint pain may consider corticosteroid injections as treatment:

  1. 1

    Oral medication first

    Some physicians recommend oral medication before progressing to injections.

  2. 2

    Image-guided injection

    A corticosteroid and anesthetic are placed into the joint under X-ray guidance.

  3. 3

    A comprehensive plan

    Injections are usually part of a plan that includes physical therapy.

  4. 4

    Repeat if helpful

    Some patients receive injections several times per year, using oral medication for breakthrough pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SI joint injection?

An SI joint injection delivers a numbing agent, often with a corticosteroid, directly into the sacroiliac joint under X-ray guidance to diagnose or treat SI joint pain.

How does an SI joint injection confirm the diagnosis?

If the injection produces significant, near-immediate relief, it is highly likely the joint is the cause of the pain. A second injection with a different anesthetic may be used to confirm.

How long does relief last?

Relief from a therapeutic injection varies from weeks to months. Some patients receive injections several times per year as part of a broader plan.

Are SI joint injections used with other treatments?

Yes. They are usually part of a comprehensive plan that may include physical therapy, oral medication for breakthrough pain, and activity changes.

What causes SI joint pain?

Degenerative spine disease, arthritis, and traumatic lower back injuries are common causes of SI joint inflammation.

What happens if injections stop working?

If SI joint pain is confirmed but injections no longer provide lasting relief, radiofrequency ablation or minimally invasive SI joint fusion may be considered.

Is X-ray guidance used?

Yes. X-ray guidance ensures proper placement of the needle in the joint.

How do I find out if SI joint injections are right for me?

An evaluation of your symptoms and imaging can determine whether the SI joint is a likely source. Call (321) 499-4646.

Benefits Of SI Joint Injections

SI joint injections can provide:

  • A confirmed diagnosis of SI joint pain.
  • Significant, near-immediate relief from the anesthetic.
  • Longer relief from the corticosteroid.
  • An easier path through physical therapy.
  • Guidance for next steps such as RFA or SI joint fusion.
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Hands on a red, painful lower back

Related Treatments

SI Joint Fusion

The SI joint is located at the bottom of your spine and is responsible for connecting your spine to your pelvis. Specifically, the SI joint connects the sacrum to the left and right hip bones.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment option proudly offered by Total Spine and Orthopedics.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an advanced form of extended care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions to help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Facet Injections

Facet injections are a common treatment for patients with back pain that manifests in the facet joints, the joints that connect two vertebrae and allow the spine to perform bending and twisting motions

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat neck and back pain. These injections are placed in the epidural space of the spine, which is located between the vertebral bones and the protective covering of the spinal cord.

Facet Ablation

Our minimally invasive facet ablation procedure is aimed to treat arthritis in the spine. Your spine has a series of facet joints on the outside of your spinal cord that lay closest to your skin.

Medial Branch Blocks

Experiencing chronic back or neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Medial Branch Blocks offer a minimally invasive solution, targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Caudal Injection

Lower back pain, leg pain, and sciatica are all relatively common conditions that can severely limit your daily activities and negatively impact your quality of life. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections offer a minimally invasive solution, delivering steroids directly to the epidural space to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. On this page we will dive into the intricacies of the caudal injection procedure, its benefits, and answers to common questions, helping you understand if it’s the right option for you.

Nerve Block Injections

Selective nerve root block injections (SNRB) are commonly administered to patients experiencing pain resulting from a compressed spinal nerve root.

What To Expect

SI joint injections are performed on an outpatient basis.

Same day

Note your relief

Record how your pain changes in the hours after the injection.

Following days

Steroid takes effect

Anti-inflammatory relief may build over several days.

Follow-up

Plan next steps

Results guide therapy, repeat injections, RFA, or SI joint fusion.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • A complete SI joint program

    From diagnostic injections to RFA and minimally invasive SI joint fusion, all in one place.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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