How painful is an SI joint injection?

How painful is an SI 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.

Where does the needle go for SI joint injection?

Using CT guidance, a 22 gauge spinal needle is inserted into the lower posterior aspect of the SI joints. After confirming the satisfactory placement of the spinal needles, 0.5 mL of Kenalog 40 (20 mg) mixed with 0.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine is injected into each SI joint.

Are you put to sleep for SI joint injection?

Procedure may last 15-30 minutes followed by a recovery period. Patients remain awake for these procedures. Sedatives can be given to help lessen anxiety. The patient will be lying face down on the table, will receive a local anesthetic, which will numb the skin before the injection is given.

What can you not do after SI joint injections?

Avoid heat to the injection area for 72 hours. No hot packs, saunas, or steam rooms during this time. A regular shower is OK. You may immediately restart your regular medication regimen, including pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and blood thinners.

What are the side effects of SI joint injection?

Some potential side effects of SI joint injections of steroids are:

• Bruising at the site of the injection.
• An allergic reaction.
• Infection.
• Increased localized pain or bleeding.
• Negative effects on metabolism (weight gain, increased blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels)

Can I walk 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.

What can go wrong with SI joint injection?

Possible Risks of Sacroiliac Joint Injection Typical risks include: Risks related to the medications used in the injection, such as a possible allergic reaction to a medication. Bruising and/or soreness at the injection site. Infection at the injection site, deeper tissues, or in the joint.

What happens if sacroiliac joint injection doesn’t work?

If non-surgical SI joint treatment such as SI joint injections don’t work for you, the next step may be to consider minimally invasive SI joint fusion, such as iFuse.