Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Joints are tissues that connect bones, enabling range of motion and flexibility. Humans have 360 joints throughout the body, each responsible for various movements. As we age, bones and joints wear down from constant movement and strain, and this degenerative process can lead to chronic pain that disrupts daily life.

For example, the sacroiliac (SI) joints, located on both sides of the body between the sacrum and iliac bones, support the weight of the upper body. While these joints are robust, osteoarthritis, trauma, infections, or other health issues can cause chronic pain in the SI joints. 

When and How Does Pain Occur?

If the sacroiliac joints are impaired, you may not only feel pain in the hip area. Chronic pain may also radiate to the lower back, groin, and legs. The intensity and recurrence of the pain depend on the specific clinical case, so it can vary for each patient.

What is a Joint Injection?

If chronic lower back pain is caused by damaged sacroiliac joints, a pain specialist may recommend a therapeutic injection of medication into the joint during a consultation.

During the injection, a mixture of corticosteroids and anesthetics is administered directly into the inflamed area, helping to alleviate pain. The procedure is performed by a pain specialist at Clinic Agatas in the operating room, under mobile C-arm X-ray guidance.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

You may experience temporary numbness in your leg immediately after the injection due to the anesthetic, but this side effect quickly subsides. Mild pain at the injection site may persist for a few days; applying a cold compress and taking pain relievers as needed can help relieve this discomfort. 

The true effect and relief from the procedure usually begin 3-5 days after the injection.If you suffer from chronic lower back pain radiating to the groin or legs, it’s crucial to consult a pain specialist as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Only pain specialists with years of experience can perform these injections accurately and effectively. We recommend booking an appointment with Dr. Asta Mažeikaitė and Dr. Aida Kinderytėat Clinic Agatas. Register here.