Sacro-iliac Joint Blocks

Sacro-Iliac Joint Blocks (SIJB) are a common treatment for low back and leg pain. Advancing arthritis, trauma, and infection are factors that may contribute toward Sacro-iliac Joint pain and dysfunction. Typical SIJB pain is located at the base of the spine or tailbone with tenderness at each side of the spine. Pain typically radiates from the low back to the upper buttock, lateral thigh, knee and occasionally to the ankle and groin. Many patients have associated myofascial pain (muscular spasm pain), especially with long standing pain. Activities such as walking, sitting, turning and sweeping can be very painful.

Since your pain may be extreme and epidural and trigger point injections may have only partially decreased your pain, SIJ blocks should be considered as a logical treatment option. These may help to diagnose your pain specifically. If you obtain relief, then your problem more than likely originated at the Sacro-Iliac Joint. 

The injection is performed by your pain doctor under “twilight sedation.” You will be given local anesthetic so minimal discomfort will be experienced. Your activity will increase slowly and progressively after the procedure. You may do well with 1-2 injections but some patients may require occasional therapeutic interval injections every 3-12 months for the pain to be well controlled. More permanent techniques are available. Complications are extremely rare but may occur. You may wish to discuss these with your pain doctor in more detail.