Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is a treatment for pain in the lower back. The small SI joint lies at the junction of the spine and pelvis. Pain may be a result of inflammation and can be treated by injecting local anesthetics and steroids (cortisone) directly into the joint. It's a factor in many cases of chronic low back pain. Patients also may develop pain in the sacroiliac joint with medical conditions including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, fracture, malignancy, congenital deformity, infection, pregnancy, and others. The numbing medicine provides short-term relief while the steroid provides longer-lasting relief, but probably will not begin working until one to two days later. If the steroid block is effective, the nerves causing the pain can be burned to provide long-lasting relief. Patients are placed on an x-ray table on their stomach. A small intravenous line is started in one hand to relax the patient. Numbing (local) medicine will be injected into a small area of skin at the injection site. The doctor will direct a small needle into the joint under x-ray guidance. Contrast material (dye) will be used to ensure proper needle position inside the joint space prior to the injection.

Why UAB

Treating pain and freeing the body of its effects requires comprehensive medical management. The physicians and staff of the UAB Medicine Pain Treatment Clinic offer the latest in pain management techniques, backed by the innovation, knowledge, and research of one of the country’s largest academic medical centers.

We recognize that relief from pain is just the first step in longer-term treatment. The multidisciplinary team combines clinical care with image-guided interventions, physical therapy, psychological assistance, medication, and ongoing consults with your primary care physicians.

At our clinic, the needs of each patient are addressed in an individualized manner, and the treatment program is carefully tailored to provide the best possible outcome. We are located at convenient UAB Hospital-Highlands, where access is easy and parking is free.

PHYSICIANS

Brandon S. Brooks, MD

Peter A. Nagi, MD

Timothy J. Ness, MD, PhD

Roland T. Short, MD

Thomas R. Vetter, MD, MPH

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Sacroiliac Joint Injection . We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials