Sacroiliac Joint Injection: Your Experience
A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is done to figure out the cause of pain and to treat your pain. Your health care provider will inject an anesthetic to numb the area. Then a small amount of steroid is injected into the sacroiliac joint space. The procedure is done in a hospital, surgery center, or your health care provider's office and takes about 30 minutes.
Before the procedure
You will need to prepare for the procedure.
During the procedure
You will lie on an exam table on your stomach. During your procedure:
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Tell your provider if you are allergic to IV dye, iodine, shellfish, or strawberries.
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The skin over the injection site is cleaned. A pain medicine (local anesthetic) numbs the skin.
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X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) may be used to help the doctor see your spine. If so, a contrast “dye” may be injected into the affected area.
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The injection is given. It may contain a local anesthetic to numb the region around the joint, medicine that eases inflammation (steroids), or both.
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You may feel an ache when the needle is placed in the sacroiliac joint.
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Sometimes the health care team may start an IV in your arm and give you medicine to help you relax.
Reasons your procedure can be cancelled
You may be asked to reschedule your appointment if:
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you are bleeding or have bleeding problems
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if there is an infection at the injection site
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if you have fever, the flu, a cold, or other infection
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if you are pregnant
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if you ate or drank something before your procedure
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if you do not have someone to drive you home
After the procedure
You will go to a recovery room on a stretcher. The health care team will check your blood pressure and pulse. You will be asked to describe any changes in your pain before you leave.
After you leave:
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Take it easy for the rest of the day. You can return to your normal activities the day after the procedure.
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The injection sites may be sore for a day or so. Put ice or heat on the treated sites as instructed by your health care provider.
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The steroids most often begin to work in a few days.
When to call your health care provider
Call your provider if you have increased pain, a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), chills, or drainage at the treated site.