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Lower back pain is more than just a discomfort—it’s a life-altering condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re struggling with persistent pain or watching a loved one suffer, understanding the latest treatment options can be a beacon of hope.
The Hidden Culprit: Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Many people experiencing lower back pain aren’t aware that the sacroiliac (SI) joint could be the root of their problem. Located where the spine meets the pelvis, this critical joint connects the sacrum to ilium and plays a crucial role as weight bearing joints in body movement and stability. Aproximately 25% in adult patients with chronic low back pain may suffer from this pain. Pain is located middle to lower back, usually both sided, may radiate to buttocks below. Women are more likely to suffer from SI joint pain because of their anatomy, and with pregnancy history.
What Causes SI Joint Pain?
Because the SI joint acts like a shock observer, the pain coming from this joint can stem from various reasons:
Traumatic injuries (accidents, sports related; football, gymnastics, even golfing)
Arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis, post-traumatic or mechanical arthritis)
Pregnancy-related changes (increased or decreased mobility, before or after)
Repetitive stress (work related, i.e., taxi or truck drivers)
Uneven leg length (due to hip or knee surgeries)
Previous lower back surgeries
Even though SI joint pain is so common, it is not easily identified making it a significant yet often overlooked source of discomfort. Diagnosing SI joint pain requires a complete history and physical examination of the spine, pelvic girdle, lower extremities and hips as well as a review of other systems to exclude possible mimicking painful conditions. Diagnostic images, like X-Rays, bone scans, CT Scans, and MRIs are useful along with the physical examination to identify the source of the SI joint pain.
SI Joint Injections:
A Targeted Approach to Pain Management
If SI joint pain is suspected by the physical evaluation, history and the images, initial treatment should consist of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and referral to a physical therapist combined with an exercise program to strengthen the pelvic girdle and lengthen tight muscle.
All 3 Board Certified Interventional Pain and Wellness Center Physicians offer sophisticated solutions in identifying and treating this pain—a minimally invasive procedure designed to diagnose and treat lower back pain effectively.
SI Joint injection is key to diagnose source of the pain.
How SI Joint Injections Work
These precision treatments involve:
Guided injection of a combination of local anesthetic and/or anti-inflammatory corticosteroid
Direct placement into the SI joint using advanced imaging techniques
Reduction of inflammation
Interruption of pain signals
Diagnostic confirmation of pain source
The Procedure: What Patients Can Expect
The typically outpatient procedure involves:
1. Preparation (sterility) and local anesthesia
2. Precise needle placement using fluoroscopic guidance
3. Medication delivery into the joint with imaging
confirmation
4. Brief observation afterwords and going home
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, with many reporting significant pain relief within hours to days.
Benefits of SI Joint Injections
Immediate and long-lasting pain relief
Improved mobility
Reduced reliance on oral pain medications
Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
Helps identify precise pain sources
Clinical Evidence
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SI joint injections:
A 2018 study in the Pain Physician Journal showed that 68% of patients experienced significant pain reduction
Long-term follow-up research indicates sustained relief for many patients
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for SI joint injections typically include individuals who:
Have chronic lower back pain lasting more than 3-6 months
Have not responded to conservative treatments
Experience pain specifically in the SI joint area
Have confirmed SI joint dysfunction through diagnostic imaging
Important Considerations
While SI joint injections offer promising results, they are not a universal solution. A comprehensive evaluation by pain management specialists is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Taking the Next Step
Living with chronic lower back pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Modern medical interventions like SI joint injections offer hope and potential relief for those struggling with persistent discomfort. Depending the pain presentation, location and duration of pain relief, our physicians offer further recommendations. These may be a repeat injection with stronger medications or state-of-art minimally invasive (outpatient) SI fixation procedure, complimented with physical or chiropractic treatments.
Consult with our Pain Management Specialist to explore whether SI joint injections might be the right solution for your unique situation. Your journey to reclaiming a pain-free life could be just one consultation away.
Dr. Özaktay has been practicing Pain Medicine in South Florida, since 2008. He completed his medical school in 1988 from the University of Istanbul, Cerrahpasa Medical School. He received his degree in Anesthesiology at Wayne State University, Detroit Medical School in Michigan and completed a Fellowship in Pain Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire.
Dr. Özaktay has been involved in world renowned “Pain Research,” published over 50 articles, manuscripts on peer-reviewed international journals, since 1988. Dr. Özaktay also has been honored with invited lectures, awards and certifications for his achievements in USA and internationally, including the Board Certification in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine abroad.
His greatest achievement has been the receipt of “Internationally Recognized Outstanding Researcher by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service” status as a USA citizen. Over the years, he has been noted lecturer in various meetings, schools, and societies.
Dr. Özaktay has been a member of numerous organizations including the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. He has been on Editorial Boards of various Medical Journals including highly respected “Spine” journal.
Dr. Özaktay is also known to be a great clinician, interventionalist and a surgeon in Pain Medicine. His unique understanding of pain from basics-to-complex presentations enables him to treat multiple pain conditions effectively.
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