Lower back pain is a very prevalent ailment, with countless people dealing with it every year. Most people who have such a health problem assume that their pain comes from either their spine or their muscles. Yet, sometimes, lower back pain can stem from another cause – the sacroiliac (SI) joint. The team of doctors at Advanced Pain Consultants provides efficient treatment for many ailments, including SI joint dysfunction. In case you are looking for pain relief in Raleigh, NC, you should consider having sacroiliac joint injections.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back area, where the sacrum connects to the pelvis. The function of the SI joint is to carry your body weight and help absorb shock when moving. Any dysfunction within this joint or inflammation can result in lower back pain and hip discomfort. Moreover, pain from the SI joint can also be felt in the leg areas.
Research indicates that the SI joint accounts for between 15% and 30% of all chronic lower back pain cases.
What Are Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
Sacroiliac joint injections are a non-invasive process intended to help in diagnosing as well as treating the pain in the lower part of the back. This involves a pain specialist injecting a local anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid into the SI joint.
The function of the injections is to:
Diagnosis: The pain will subside if the injection proves effective, which means that the sacroiliac joint causes the pain.
Treatment: This will reduce the inflammation by using steroids.
This two-fold treatment offered at Advanced Pain Consultants helps in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of pain in Raleigh, NC.
How SI Joint Injections Relieve Lower Back Pain
1. Reducing Inflammation
One of the major reasons for SI joint pain is inflammation. The corticosteroid administered via the injection acts on this particular symptom to reduce the inflammation.
2. Blocking Pain Messages
Another reason for administering SI joint injections is that the local anesthetic will help block messages of pain sent to the brain, providing instant relief to the patient, at least temporarily.
3. Treating the Specific Area
SI joint injections provide an advantage over oral medication since oral medications will treat your entire body, while SI joint injections treat only the specific part of the body that is troubling you.
4. Diagnosing Your Condition
Pain felt around the lower back could be caused by different issues, making it difficult to diagnose. But if your injection helps ease your pain, you can rest assured that the problem lies in the SI joint.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Sacroiliac joint injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting and take only a short time to complete. Using imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the specialist ensures accurate placement of the needle.
The procedure generally includes:
- Cleaning and numbing the injection area
- Guiding the needle into the SI joint using imaging
- Injecting the medication combination
- Monitoring the patient briefly after the procedure
Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a short period.
How Effective Are SI Joint Injections?
Sacroiliac joint injections are considered an effective option for many patients with chronic lower back pain, especially when conservative treatments have not worked. Studies suggest that a significant number of patients experience pain relief lasting several weeks to months.
In some cases, relief may begin within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, with continued improvement as the steroid takes full effect.
While the results are not permanent, repeat injections or additional treatments may be recommended as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Who Can Benefit from SI Joint Injections?
You may be a good candidate for sacroiliac joint injections if you experience:
- Persistent lower back or hip pain
- Pain that worsens when sitting, standing, or climbing stairs
- Discomfort after injury, pregnancy, or surgery
- Limited relief from medications or physical therapy
At Advanced Pain Consultants, specialists evaluate each patient individually to determine the most effective treatment plan for pain management in Raleigh, NC.
Are There Any Risks?
Sacroiliac joint injections are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they carry some risks. These may include:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- Mild bleeding or swelling
- Rare risks such as infection or nerve irritation
Most side effects are minor and resolve quickly, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals.
Why Choose Advanced Pain Consultants in Raleigh, NC?
It is very important to select the right company if one wants to be relieved of pain. Advanced Pain Consultants provides the following to its clients:
- Advanced diagnostic services
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Customized care
- Pain specialists
If you are suffering from lower back pain or SI joint problems, you will definitely get back your comfort.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
Dealing with lower back pain can certainly be difficult since it will hinder your normal activities. Thankfully, pain relief therapies such as sacroiliac joint injections can help ensure that pain and functionality is restored.
For those looking for chronic pain management in Raleigh NC, the team at Advanced Pain Consultants can help. Contact us now for more information about our services.