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Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are made into the joint connecting the base of the spine and the pelvis to address lower back, leg, or groin pain. Doctors will perform either a diagnostic injection to determine whether any pain is originating in this area or a therapeutic injection to relieve SI joint pain. Here’s what you should know about this treatment.

A Guide to Sacroiliac Injections

What’s involved in the preparation?

You should avoid food and drink after midnight on the night before the doctor administers a sacroiliac joint injection. Common medications to avoid before the treatment are blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines, and insulin. It’s also best to avoid strenuous activity the day before the appointment and to arrange for a ride home.

What happens during the procedure?

After an examination, the doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the SI joint injection, and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. For diagnostic injections, you’ll be made comfortable on an X-ray table. There, the injection site will be sterilized, covered by sterile drapes, and anesthetized.

The injection will include an X-ray dye, which will be used to confirm proper injection in a process called fluoroscopy. The injection site will then be washed and covered with a Band-Aid®, and you’ll be monitored for up to half an hour.

For therapeutic injections, the procedure is much the same, except the X-ray dye will be left out and only an anesthetic will be administered to ease sacroiliac joint pain. After both, you’ll be given verbal and written instructions for the next steps, and can then leave when you’re discharged.

How long will the effects last?

If you experience a significant reduction in pain following a diagnostic injection, the discomfort was likely associated with your sacroiliac joint. If this is the case, you may benefit from therapeutic SI joint injections. The pain relief felt from a therapeutic injection depends on the individual, and it may last anywhere from several days to several months.

What should be done after the injection?

After the doctor discharges you, they’ll let you know of possible side effects that require you to contact them immediately, such as localized bleeding or signs of an infection. You should drink plenty of water, especially if you underwent a diagnostic injection and need to flush the fluoroscopic dye from your system. Avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day and pay attention to unusual symptoms or feelings, including swelling and fever or chills.

 

When you need compassionate care and advice for sacroiliac joint injections, contact Island Hospital in Anacortes, WA. The doctors at this innovative hospital have been providing excellent medical care since 1962, including pediatric care, sleep wellness, and physical rehabilitation. Call (360) 299-4929 to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information.

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