How painful is sacroiliac joint injection?

You may be sore from the injection. You may also have some slight weakness in your leg for a few hours after the shot. If your pain comes from the sacroiliac joint, you may feel pain relief in the hours after the procedure because of the numbing medicine. As it wears off, the pain may start to feel worse.

How long does an SI injection take?

The solution injected into the SI joint is a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid. This will reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months. The entire procedure lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery time.

What does an SI joint injection feel like?

On occasion, you may feel numb, slightly weak or have an odd feeling in your leg for a few hours after the injection. You may notice a slight increase in your pain lasting for several days as the numbing medication wears off before the cortisone is effective.

Are you put to sleep for SI joint injection?

The procedure: All patients are taken to the procedure room on a hospital bed. Once in the procedure room you will be given sedation to help make you comfortable. A cold cleaning solution will be placed on your skin to help decrease chances of infection.

What can I expect after sacroiliac injection?

A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection improves pain immediately. You can expect pain and soreness at the injection site for a day or two after the surgery. The steroid medications may take two to three days to show its result. You may have temporary numbness or weakness in your legs caused by the anesthetic.

What can you not do after SI joint injections?

Patients undergoing SI joint injections, whether for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, should not take any solid food or fluids after midnight before the procedure. Medications for diabetes must be taken after the procedure, not before. Blood thinners must be discontinued well before the procedure.

How big is the needle for SI joint injection?

The injection also requires a 25-gauge, 5-inch, styletted spinal needle.

How long should you rest after SI joint injection?

You may resume all of your normal daily activities 24 hours after your injection. It is OK to restart your exercise or Physical Therapy program as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Please complete the Pain Diary given to you after your injection.

How do I prepare for SI joint injection?

Patient Preparation: At Home

1. Stop blood-thinning medication 5-days prior to the test.
2. Do not take any aspirin product 14-days prior to the test.
3. Stop anti-inflammatory medication 5-days prior to the test.
4. Stop pain medication 4-hours prior to the test.
5. Do not eat or drink 4-hours prior to the test.

Are SI joint injections safe?

A sacroiliac joint injection, like other medical procedures, may present risks. Complications include risk of infection, low blood pressure, headache, and injury to nerve tissue.