Targeted Relief for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Persistent pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or pelvis may not always originate from the spine. In many patients, the sacroiliac (SI) joint is the underlying source of discomfort. At TOPS Institute, we offer image-guided sacroiliac joint injections in Los Angeles to help diagnose and treat SI joint pain with precision and minimal downtime.
Performed by our board-certified interventional pain management specialists using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, SI joint injections deliver medication directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Whether your symptoms are caused by arthritis, injury, inflammation, or SI joint dysfunction, our personalized treatment plans are designed to help you move comfortably again.
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What Is a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection?
A Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into the sacroiliac joint.
The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis and help transfer weight and movement between the upper and lower body. When these joints become inflamed or dysfunctional, they can cause pain in the:
- Lower back
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Groin
- Pelvis
- Upper legs
Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance and contrast dye when appropriate, your physician carefully positions a thin needle into the SI joint to ensure accurate medication placement.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes only a few minutes.
Conditions Treated with SI Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint injections may be recommended for patients experiencing:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- SI joint arthritis
- Chronic lower back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Hip pain related to SI joint dysfunction
- Inflammatory sacroiliitis
- Pain following injury or trauma
- Degenerative changes affecting the SI joint
Because lower back pain can have many causes, a comprehensive evaluation is performed before recommending SI joint injections.
Why Are Sacroiliac Joint Injections Performed?
Pain Relief
The corticosteroid medication helps reduce inflammation inside the sacroiliac joint, which may decrease pain and improve daily function.
Many patients experience improved comfort and increased ability to participate in physical therapy and everyday activities.
Diagnostic Evaluation
SI joint injections also serve as an important diagnostic tool.
If your pain improves following the injection, it helps confirm that the sacroiliac joint is likely contributing to your symptoms. This information helps guide future treatment recommendations.
Improved Mobility
Reducing inflammation within the SI joint can improve walking, standing, sitting, and other activities that may have become difficult because of chronic pain.
What to Expect During an SI Joint Injection
Most SI joint injections are completed in approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Preparation
You’ll lie comfortably on a fluoroscopy table while the treatment area is cleaned using sterile technique.
Local Anesthetic
The skin is numbed with local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Image-Guided Injection
Using real-time fluoroscopic guidance, your physician carefully advances a thin needle into the SI joint.
Contrast dye may be used to confirm accurate needle placement before medication is injected.
Recovery
Following the injection, you’ll be monitored briefly before returning home.
Most patients resume light activities later that day or the following day, depending on physician recommendations.
Some patients experience immediate temporary relief from the anesthetic, while the corticosteroid may take several days to reduce inflammation.
Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections
For appropriately selected patients, SI joint injections may provide:
- Targeted pain relief
- Reduced joint inflammation
- Improved mobility
- Better participation in physical therapy
- Improved daily function
- Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
- Assistance in identifying the source of lower back pain
Results vary depending on the underlying diagnosis and individual patient response.
Why Choose TOPS Institute?
Board-Certified Pain Specialists
Our physicians specialize in advanced interventional pain management and image-guided spine procedures.
Precision Fluoroscopic Guidance
Every SI joint injection is performed using fluoroscopy to maximize accuracy and ensure medication reaches the intended joint.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient receives an individualized evaluation and treatment plan based on their symptoms, physical examination, imaging studies, and long-term goals.
Comprehensive Spine & Joint Care
SI joint injections may be combined with physical therapy, rehabilitation, regenerative medicine, lifestyle modifications, and other minimally invasive treatments as part of a comprehensive pain management program.
Risks & Possible Side Effects
Sacroiliac joint injections are generally considered safe when performed by experienced physicians using image guidance.
Potential risks include:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- Mild bruising
- Temporary increase in pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Steroid-related side effects
- Rare nerve injury
- Very rare serious complications
Your physician will discuss the potential risks, expected benefits, and alternative treatment options before your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sacroiliac joint injection?
A sacroiliac joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that places a local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into the SI joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help determine whether the joint is the source of symptoms.
Who is a candidate for SI joint injections?
Patients with persistent lower back, buttock, pelvic, or hip pain that has not improved with conservative treatments may be candidates after a comprehensive evaluation.
How long does pain relief last?
Relief varies depending on whether the injection is being used diagnostically, therapeutically, or both. Some patients experience relief lasting weeks to months, while others may have shorter or longer responses.
Are SI joint injections painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic numbs the treatment area, and the injection is generally associated with only mild pressure or temporary discomfort.
How quickly do SI joint injections work?
Some patients notice immediate temporary relief from the anesthetic, while the corticosteroid typically begins reducing inflammation over several days.
What conditions do SI joint injections treat?
SI joint injections are commonly used for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, arthritis, inflammatory sacroiliitis, chronic lower back pain originating from the SI joint, and certain types of pelvic pain.
Are SI joint injections safe?
Yes. When performed by experienced interventional pain specialists using fluoroscopic guidance, SI joint injections are generally considered safe. Your physician will review the benefits and potential risks before treatment.
Can SI joint injections help avoid surgery?
For some patients, SI joint injections provide meaningful symptom relief that may delay or reduce the need for more invasive treatments. Recommendations depend on the underlying diagnosis and response to therapy.
How long does the procedure take?
The injection itself usually takes only a few minutes, while the total appointment—including preparation and brief observation—typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the injection?
Most patients return home the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site is common, and normal light activities can usually be resumed within a day unless otherwise instructed.
Schedule Your Sacroiliac Joint Injection Consultation in Los Angeles
If chronic lower back, hip, or pelvic pain is affecting your daily life, a Sacroiliac Joint Injection may help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve your mobility.
At TOPS Institute, our experienced interventional pain specialists provide advanced SI joint injections in Los Angelesusing precise fluoroscopic guidance and personalized treatment plans designed to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn whether a sacroiliac joint injection is right for you.