Sacroiliac joint injections
Sacroiliac joint injections can be used both as a diagnostic tool and, once confirmed, as a treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint can be found below the lumbar spine and above the tailbone. When being used as a diagnostic tool, the injection consists of a numbing agent like lidocaine or marcaine injected into the sacroiliac joint; if the patient experiences immediate pain relief, it can then be confirmed that the sacroiliac joint is the cause of the patient’s pain and a second injection can be administered.
Once the diagnostic injection is complete and is seen as successful, the doctor will inject an anti-inflammatory (cortisone) or dextrose (prolotherapy) into the joint. The cortisone or dextrose will allow the body to heal itself naturally and the patient should experience several weeks to several months of pain relief. The patient should begin to experience improvements within 2 to 5 days of the injection, but should be prepared for there to be a short period of pain after the numbing agent wears off and before the injection of cortisone or dextrose has begun to take effect.
Patients may notice some short term numbness in their legs after the injection; patients should not drive for the rest of the day after their injection and avoid strenuous activities.
Our office offers sacroiliac joint injections to patients suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
sources: http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/sacroiliac-joint-injection