Sacroiliac Joint Injection in Cincinnati - APSI Wellness
Learn about sacroiliac joint steroid injections for SI joint pain and lower back pain relief at APSI Wellness in Cincinnati.
Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection — A sacroiliac (SI) joint steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the SI joint to diagnose and treat pain originating from this large joint connecting the spine to the pelvis.
What Is a Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection?
A sacroiliac (SI) joint steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers corticosteroid and local anesthetic directly into the sacroiliac joint. The SI joints are large joints located where the sacrum (base of the spine) meets the iliac bones of the pelvis. These weight-bearing joints can become inflamed or dysfunctional, causing significant lower back, buttock, and leg pain.
The injection serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes — if the injection relieves your pain, it confirms the SI joint as the pain source while simultaneously providing treatment.
How Does It Work?
The SI joint is stabilized by strong ligaments and has limited natural mobility. When the joint becomes inflamed — from arthritis, injury, pregnancy, or biomechanical stress — it generates pain that can mimic other conditions like lumbar disc disease or hip pathology.
The injection delivers:
Corticosteroid to reduce inflammation within the joint
Local anesthetic for immediate diagnostic pain relief
Medication is placed directly into the joint space under fluoroscopic guidance for maximum accuracy
Conditions Treated
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — abnormal movement or inflammation of the SI joint
SI joint arthritis — degenerative changes within the joint
Sacroiliitis — inflammation of the SI joint from various causes
Post-partum SI joint pain — joint laxity and pain following pregnancy
Ankylosing spondylitis — inflammatory condition affecting the SI joints
Pain after lumbar fusion — increased SI joint stress following spinal fusion surgery
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before: You may need to stop blood-thinning medications. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
During: You'll lie face-down. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician identifies the SI joint and guides a needle into the joint space. Contrast dye confirms intra-articular placement before the steroid/anesthetic mixture is injected. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes.
After: Monitor your pain response — the local anesthetic should provide immediate relief if the SI joint is the pain source. Soreness at the injection site is normal. Resume light activities within 24 hours. The steroid component reaches full effect within 5-7 days.
Benefits
Confirms the SI joint as the pain source (diagnostic value)
Provides targeted anti-inflammatory treatment
Quick outpatient procedure with minimal recovery
Can provide weeks to months of relief
Guides further treatment decisions (e.g., SI joint radiofrequency ablation)
Can be repeated if effective
Risks and Side Effects
Injection site soreness (common)
Temporary increase in pain
Temporary leg numbness if anesthetic spreads
Infection (very rare)
Allergic reaction (rare)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is from the SI joint?
SI joint pain typically presents as pain in the lower back, buttock, or back of the thigh — often on one side. Certain physical exam maneuvers can suggest SI joint involvement, but the definitive test is a diagnostic injection.
How long does relief last from an SI joint injection?
Relief varies from weeks to several months. If injections provide consistent but temporary relief, radiofrequency ablation of the SI joint nerves may be considered for longer-lasting results.
Can SI joint problems be confused with other conditions?
Yes. SI joint pain can mimic lumbar disc herniation, hip arthritis, or piriformis syndrome. This is why the diagnostic injection is so valuable — it can definitively identify or rule out the SI joint as your pain source.
How many SI joint injections can I have?
Most physicians recommend no more than 3-4 injections per year. If injections consistently help but relief is temporary, your physician may recommend SI joint radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
Is this related to the blog post about SI joint injections?
Yes — our blog post on SI joint injections provides additional educational information about this common procedure.
APSI Wellness — Advanced Pain Solutions & Interventions
5405 DuPont Circle Suite A, Milford, OH 45150 | Phone: (513) 936-3050
https://apsiwellness.com/services/sacroiliac-joint-steroid-injection