Sacroiliac Joint Injection
Restoring Comfort with Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Finding the Hidden Source of Lower Back & Hip Pain
Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks is often overlooked or blamed on the spine alone. In many cases, the sacroiliac (SI) joint — the connection between your spine and pelvis — is the real source of discomfort. When this joint becomes irritated, even simple movements like standing, walking, or climbing stairs can be difficult. At Williamson Pain Institute, we offer sacroiliac joint injections to help identify the root of your pain and provide targeted relief.
What Is A Sacroiliac Joint Injection?
SI joint injections involve placing a small amount of medication directly into the sacroiliac joint under imaging guidance. These injections may be used for two purposes:
- Diagnostic – injecting local anesthetic to determine whether the SI joint is causing your pain.
- Therapeutic – delivering corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
By reducing irritation in the joint, many patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility.
How SI Joint Pain Develops
The sacroiliac joint acts as a shock absorber between the spine and pelvis. Pain can develop when the joint becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to:
- Arthritis or degeneration of the joint surfaces
- Injury or trauma, such as falls or accidents
- Repetitive stress from sports, lifting, or uneven posture
- Pregnancy-related changes or ligament laxity
- Underlying spine or hip problems that add extra stress to the SI joint
Good To Know
- When inflamed, the SI joint can cause aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or thighs.
How The Procedure Works
SI joint injections are performed in our office under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement.
1) Preparation
The skin is cleaned, and local anesthetic is applied for comfort.
2) Targeted Injection
A thin needle is guided into the sacroiliac joint. Local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid medication is injected.
3) Recovery
Patients go home the same day. Relief may begin within hours, with longer benefits developing over several days.Benefits of SI Joint Injections
- Reduces pain and inflammation in the lower back and pelvis
- Improves sitting, standing, and walking tolerance
- Helps confirm the SI joint as the source of pain
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- May delay or reduce the need for surgery
Risks & Safety
Next Steps
If lower back or buttock pain is interfering with your daily life, a sacroiliac joint injection may provide the relief you need. Our team at Williamson Pain Institute will carefully evaluate your symptoms, review your history, and guide you toward the best treatment plan.
Call Williamson Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation and find out if SI joint injections are right for you.
Insurance accepted. Most plans, including Medicare, cover hip injections when medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits and guide next steps.
Your Questions Answered
An SI joint injection places anesthetic and/or steroid medication into the sacroiliac joint to reduce inflammation and confirm if the joint is the source of your pain.
If you have aching pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks that worsens with standing or walking, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic SI joint injection to see if pain improves.
They are commonly used for arthritis, degeneration, trauma, pregnancy-related changes, or repetitive stress that irritates the sacroiliac joint.
You may feel mild pressure or a pinch, but local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable. The injection itself is usually quick and well tolerated.
The injection typically takes 20–30 minutes, including preparation and recovery time in the office.
Relief can last weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, injections may be repeated or combined with other therapies.
Steroid injections are typically limited to a few times per year. Your doctor will customize a plan based on your response and overall health.