Sacroiliac Joint Injections
What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection is an injection of local anesthetic and a steroid medication into the sacroiliac joint. Due to the numbing medicine used during this procedure, you may experience temporary pain relief afterwards that may last several hours. Once the numbing medicine wears off, however, your pain will most likely return. The steroid medication may give longer lasting pain relief and usually begins working after 24-48 hours.
What are the risks of the Procedure?
As with most procedures, there is a remote risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to the medications used. Additional short-term effects may occur. You may have some temporary numbness or weakness in your legs caused by the local anesthetic (numbing medicine). If this interferes with your ability to walk safely, you will have to remain in the Pain Management Center until it resolves, usually several hours. You may have increased pain for a few days after the injection, including localized pain at the injection site. Diabetics may have short-term elevation of blood sugars as a result of the steroid medication.
Will the injection hurt a lot?
Most people say the stinging/burning of the numbing medicine is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure (this lasts only a few seconds); however, every person’s response to any procedure will differ.
How do I prepare for my Procedure?
No solid food or fluids after midnight prior to the procedure unless directed otherwise. You may take your medications with a small amount of water. Diabetics should not take their medication for diabetes until after the procedure is complete. Please check your blood sugar at home before coming in. If you are taking any blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or any others, these medications must be discontinued well before the procedure. You will be directed by our staff as to when you should stop this medication. Please make your Pain Management doctor aware that you are taking a blood thinner, and contact your primary care physician or prescribing physician before stopping this medication.
