Sacroiliac Joint Injections

The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back where the sacrum, made up of five joined up vertebrae at the base of the spine, connects to the two iliac bones that make up the pelvis. There is not a lot of movement in the sacroiliac joints because most movement occurs in the lumbar spine, just above the sacrum, and the hips. However, the sacroiliac joints bear the entire weight of the upper body when we are on our feet, placing a large amount of stress across them.

The sacroiliac joints can become inflamed and painful due to falling or impact when playing sports, activities like jogging or dancing that give regular pounding to the area, uneven strides due to differences in leg length, damage to the ligaments that hold the joint together, or arthritis.

Pain from the sacroiliac joints will be felt in the lower back and buttocks, and can extend down one or both legs. Pain will be aggravated by long periods of standing, climbing stairs, running and taking large strides.

Wear and tear, inflammation and injury in the sacroiliac joint is known as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Pain from sacroiliac joint dysfunction can impact quality of life as it is difficult to move or get comfortable without pain.

In the first instance lifestyle changes, pain medication, anti-inflammatories and ice pack treatment will be recommended to bring down inflammation and control pain. It is important to keep active and to keep your back mobile as inactivity will usually make the pain worse.

If pain is reduced to a manageable level, physiotherapy can help build strength in the joint to reduce pain further.

If pain persists, a sacroiliac joint injection may be recommended.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections

A sacroiliac joint injection, also known as a sacroiliac joint block, is recommended to treat lower back pain and leg pain associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.  It can also be used for diagnosis of lower back and leg pain. Pain in the leg from sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be very similar to the radiating leg pain caused by sciatica (herniated disc) so if treatment to the sacroiliac joint reduces pain, the diagnosis is confirmed.

Sacroiliac joint injections are a steroid injection (also known as cortisone or hydrocortisone injections).  The injection contains a local anaesthetic to numb the pain and a steroid (corticosteroid) to help reduce swelling and inflammation

What happens during this procedure?

You will lay face down with a pillow placed under you to flatten the spine. Your consultant will ensure that the area of skin to be injected is clean. He or she will then inject local anaesthetic into the area of skin surrounding the injection site.

Under the guidance of a live X-ray (fluoroscopy) your consultant will gently insert a needle into the sacroiliac joint. A contrast dye may be used to verify needle placement within the sacroiliac joint. The medicine is then injected through the needle to the area. You will feel some pressure when the needle is inserted, and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation, but most injections are relatively painless. More than one injection may be needed.

How long will it take to recover?

You may be asked to lay flat for 30 minutes after the procedure. You should be able to go home within an hour but you will need someone to drive you.

When you get home, you should rest for about 24 hours. It is quite common to have some pain or discomfort in the back for a few days after the procedure, particularly at the injection site.  You can take painkillers and use an ice pack to help.

Pain relief varies for each patient. Relief may be immediate, after 12 – 24 hours, or a slow improvement over several weeks. Long term success is also variable.  In some cases, pain can be completely relieved and not return. In others, pain may only be reduced for a period of time.

While pain is relieved and motion restored, physiotherapy should be undertaken to build strength for improvement in the long term. 

If pain returns after a period of sustained pain relief from the injection, the procedure can be repeated.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic or Pain Management Consultant,  usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation. Sacroiliac joint injections are available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Sacroiliac Joint Injections treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
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• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
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If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.