What is this procedure?
Medication is placed in or around the sacroiliac joint, which transfers load between the spine and pelvis.
When might it be considered?
Selected lower-back or buttock pain thought to originate in the sacroiliac joint. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
The physician locates the target, usually with imaging, and may use local anesthetic with a corticosteroid. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Pain relief may help assess the joint's role and make activity more manageable. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Temporary pain flare, bruising, infection, bleeding and medication reactions are possible. Steroids can temporarily raise blood sugar.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
Keep track of pain changes and follow activity instructions. The anesthetic and steroid, if used, can have different onset times. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Does all lower-back pain come from this joint?
No. Examination and sometimes other tests help distinguish sacroiliac pain from other sources.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk — patient education.