We can provide this steroid injection at our San Diego clinic. It is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint. If the patient begins to experiences extended pain relief after a therapeutic sacroiliac joint injection, he or she can begin a physical therapy or rehabilitation program to further reduce pain and return the patient to normal activity levels.
The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach for comfort and to arch the back. The physician uses touch and a fluoroscope to find the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis on both sides of the lower end of the spine. Dysfunction is believed to occur due to a limitation in its normal motion patterns and/or misalignment of the joint.
A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacroiliac joint. After the numbing medication is injected, the patient will be asked by our team to try and recreate the pain they normally experience by performing painful activities. If the patient experiences 75-80% pain relief for the normal duration of the anesthetic, a tentative diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction is made.
The physician advances a needle through the anesthetized track and into the sacroiliac joint. The injection is performed using the same technique as a diagnostic SI joint injection. The only difference is the anti-inflammatory medication is included in the injection to provide pain relief by reducing inflammation within the joint.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is used to cover the tiny surface wound.
Our entire practice revolves around helping patients feel better. Pain is a fact of life until it interferes with the joys of living. Sandra Thompson, MD, and The Pain Center San Diego have innovative and comprehensive solutions to all forms of discomfort.
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