How long does sacroiliac joint injection relief last?

Relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the condition and accompanying therapies.

Is a sacroiliac joint injection painful?

The procedure involves minimal discomfort and is usually well-tolerated with local anesthetic and image-guided precision.

Can sacroiliac joint injections be repeated?

Yes, they can be safely repeated if pain returns and if the joint is confirmed to be the pain generator.

Are regenerative therapies safe for SI joint pain?

Yes, regenerative options like PRP and stem cell therapy are generally safe and supported by growing clinical evidence for musculoskeletal conditions.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection: Top 5 Powerful Benefits

Sacroiliac joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to diagnose and treat SI joint-related pain. By injecting a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, and local anesthetics directly into the joint, this procedure helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Not only does it serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the SI joint is causing pain, but it also provides therapeutic benefits by delivering targeted relief. The sacroiliac joint injection is a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tool used to relieve pain stemming from the sacroiliac (SI) joint. At AmitSharmaMD.com, we specialize in advanced interventional pain procedures that help you reclaim your mobility and quality of life.

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What Is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

The sacroiliac joint is located where the spine meets the pelvis. Dysfunction in this joint can lead to inflammation and pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and even legs. A sacroiliac joint injection involves delivering medication directly into the SI joint under image guidance—typically a combination of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid.

This procedure is used both to confirm whether the SI joint is the source of pain (diagnostic purpose) and to provide relief by reducing inflammation (therapeutic purpose). According to clinical research, SI joint injections are effective in identifying and alleviating SI joint-related pain.

Who Can Benefit from a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

Common candidates include individuals who suffer from:

Persistent lower back pain radiating into the hips or buttocks
Pain aggravated by sitting, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position
Postpartum pelvic pain
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to trauma or arthritis

If you have been diagnosed with SI joint issues or your physician suspects this region as the source of pain, a sacroiliac joint injection might be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and offer symptom relief.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During the Procedure

Preparation: You may be asked to avoid eating a few hours prior. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
Positioning: You’ll lie face down on a table, and the area around the lower back will be cleaned and numbed.
Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), the physician will guide a needle into the sacroiliac joint space.
Injection: A contrast dye is injected to confirm placement, followed by the medication.
Recovery: You’ll be monitored briefly and discharged the same day. Relief can begin within hours or over a few days.

Visit our services page to learn more about the range of image-guided pain relief treatments available at our Long Island locations.

Top 5 Benefits of Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Fast Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant reduction in pain within hours to days.
Accurate Diagnosis: Helps determine if the SI joint is the true source of the pain.
Minimally Invasive: Outpatient procedure with no incisions or stitches.
Improved Mobility: Relief from pain improves your ability to walk, sit, and sleep.
May Delay or Prevent Surgery: Conservative measure that can defer or replace the need for surgical fusion.

Risks and Considerations

While the procedure is generally safe, potential risks include:

Temporary increase in pain
Bleeding or infection at the injection site
Allergic reaction to contrast dye or medications
Nerve injury (rare)

Discuss any allergies, medication use, or bleeding disorders with your doctor beforehand. At AmitSharmaMD.com, we take every precaution to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Regenerative Medicine Options for SI Joint Pain

In recent years, regenerative therapies have gained traction as adjunct or alternative treatments to traditional SI joint injections. These include:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Involves concentrating your body’s own healing factors and injecting them into the SI joint.
Stem Cell Therapy: Utilizes autologous or donor-derived mesenchymal stem cells to reduce inflammation and repair tissue.

Studies such as this clinical review support the use of PRP and stem cells in treating joint dysfunctions, including the SI joint.

At Bloom Infusions & Wellness, our affiliated regenerative medicine center, we offer PRP and Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal cell therapies tailored to musculoskeletal pain. To learn more, visit our Regenerative Medicine page.

Aftercare and Results

Most patients resume normal activities the next day. Pain relief can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the underlying condition and use of adjunct therapies like physical therapy or regenerative injections. Repeat injections may be scheduled as needed.

Why Choose Dr. Amit Sharma?

As a pioneer in interventional spine and musculoskeletal pain care in Long Island, Dr. Amit Sharma combines diagnostic precision with evidence-based therapy to help patients achieve long-term relief. With locations in Commack, Bay Shore, Huntington, and Bethpage, our practice ensures convenient and expert care close to home.