Sacroiliac Joint Blocks

For pain caused by the joint between the spine and the pelvis

Sacroiliac Joint Blocks

Arthritis or damage to the sacroiliac (SI) joint is a common cause of low back pain. The diagnosis of SI joint pain in patients who suffer from low back may be difficult. Diagnostic injections, where the joint is numbed, can be used to make the diagnosis. Similar injections with steroids can be used to treat the sacroiliac joint pain.

Indications

Sacroiliac joint injections may help patients with chronic low back pain, buttock pain, or hip pain.

How Is The Sacroiliac Block Performed?

The procedures are done in a surgery center. After giving a sedative and pain medication, you are positioned in a fluoroscope, a type of x-ray machine. The skin is numbed and a needle is passed to the facet joint using the fluoroscope. The medications are then injected, or the radiofrequency treatment is completed. After the procedure you recover at the surgery center for an hour or two before going home. Remember not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure.

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Last modified: 07/27/08