What is Sacroiliitis and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, located at the base of the spine where the sacrum meets the pelvis. This condition can cause significant pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips, often leading to difficulty in movement and daily activities. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the SI joints fail to function properly, causing pain and discomfort that can worsen over time. Common causes of sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

  • Injury or trauma to the lower back
  • Osteoarthritis affecting the SI joint
  • Pregnancy-related changes in pelvic alignment
  • Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis

Left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic pain and significantly affect your quality of life. Sacroiliac joint injections are a proven way to manage pain, improve mobility, and help you return to a more active lifestyle.

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How Sacroiliac Joint Injections Can Help Relieve Pain

Sacroiliac joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain caused by sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The injections involve delivering a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and numbing agents directly into the affected SI joint, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. Benefits of Sacroiliac pain treatment in NJ include:

  • Pain Relief: The injections target the inflamed areas of the SI joint, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.
  • Accurate Diagnosis: If you’re uncertain whether your pain originates from the SI joint, the injection can help confirm the source of your pain.
  • Enhanced Mobility: By reducing inflammation and pain, these injections help restore your ability to move freely and engage in daily activities.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed with a small needle, reducing recovery time and discomfort compared to traditional surgery.

The Sacroiliac Joint Injection Procedure in NJ

The sacroiliac joint injection is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

Preparation

You will be positioned comfortably on the exam table, and a local anesthetic will be applied to the skin to minimize any discomfort.

Fluoroscopy Guidance

The injection is guided using fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray), ensuring the medication is delivered precisely to the affected area of the SI joint.

Injection

A combination of corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory medication) and a numbing agent is injected into the joint to reduce inflammation and provide immediate pain relief.

Post-Procedure

After the procedure, you will be monitored briefly before being sent home. Some patients experience relief almost immediately, though the full effects of the medication may take a few days to develop.

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Recovery After Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Recovery after the procedure is typically quick. Many patients experience only mild soreness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. Here's what you can expect after the procedure:

Pain Relief Timeline

Most patients begin to experience pain relief within a few days, with the full effects often appearing within a week.

Return to Normal Activities

Most people can resume their regular activities after a few days of rest. For long-term results, additional injections or complementary therapies like physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the SI joint and prevent future pain.

Long-Term Management

For some patients, additional injections or sacroiliac joint fusion surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief.

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Why Choose Gerling Spine Care NJ for Sacroiliac Joint Treatment?

At Gerling Spine Care NJ, we provide comprehensive care for patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacroiliitis. Our team, led by Dr. Michael Gerling, is dedicated to offering advanced treatments such as sacroiliac joint injections to manage pain and restore function. We take a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you're suffering from lower back pain, hip pain, or discomfort caused by sacroiliac joint issues, we’re here to help you regain your mobility and improve your quality of life. If you're struggling with pain from sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint injections may provide the relief you need. Contact Gerling Spine Care today to schedule a consultation and explore how our team can help you achieve lasting relief from chronic pain with sacroiliac pain treatment in New Jersey.

Our Locations

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute consists of NY Orthopedics & Gerling Institute NJ. Two practices, one standard of excellence.

We're here to help you move forward.

Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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