How to Treat SI Joint Pain

Lower back pain can have many origins, which is why determining the exact cause and executing proper treatment can be complicated. For example, there is a very specific treatment that provides pain relief for those experiencing inflammation in the sacroiliac joints (or SI joints).

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain

There are two sacroiliac joints, one on the right and one on the left. The joints are located at the base of the spine or tailbone and connect these structures to the pelvis with very strong ligaments, serve as a shock absorber, and undergo wear and tear as we age.

Pain from inflammation in the SI joints can be felt from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, groin, and legs. Sacroiliac joint pain can be felt on one or both sides of the body. Low back pain on one side is an early indication that the SI joint may be the culprit. Or pain can be felt in the lower back and pelvis and radiate down the back of the leg, often resembling sciatica.

The Effects of SI Joint Pain

SI joint pain makes it difficult to function in everyday life. It will cause difficulty when standing, walking, or changing positions from sitting to standing. Pain may be especially bad when climbing stairs or walking up an incline. It can also be disruptive to sleep; when you feel pain from lying on the affected side for too long.

Available SI Joint Pain Treatments

The challenging part of diagnosing SI joint inflammation is that pain in these areas is common and may often be caused by any number of other issues. So, how can you know if you are dealing with SI joint dysfunction or, for example, a muscle pull? A healthcare professional will likely begin treating your discomfort with medications or physical therapy.

Injections

If your pain persists past this initial stage of treatment, a pain management specialist may utilize a treatment called a sacroiliac joint injection.

The injections have two purposes. First, to can properly diagnose the condition, and second, to treat it. The injection itself is a mix of steroid medication and anesthetics and helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint, which reduces pain. Typically, a sacroiliac joint injection is performed along with a fluoroscopy (X-ray) image to view and guide the needle through the joints.

This will reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months. The entire procedure lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a brief recovery time. For most patients, there will be sustained pain relief after two to three injections.

SI joint injections are not a permanent cure for joint pain, but they can provide long-lasting relief. Injections are a non-surgical treatment option for lower back pain.

Stem Cell Therapy

Another treatment option is stem cell therapy. This option uses the patient’s own stem cells to regenerate areas of the body that tend to wear down over time. Stem cell therapy is a same-day procedure that provides a great alternative to surgery. Patients experience very little downtime and avoid the long, painful rehabilitation periods that typically follow surgery to restore joint strength and mobility.

Dr. Mayo Friedlis, an award-winning pain management physician with over 25 years of experience, has paved the way for National Spine & Pain Centers to now offer the Regenexx Family of Advanced Regenerative Medicine Procedures.

“I decided to bring the Regenexx Therapies into the practice, as I believe that they currently represent the highest state of the art for stem cell use. The research is strong and ongoing, which is important for the continued development of this science.”

SI Treatment with National Spine & Pain Centers

If you or a loved one are experiencing pain you believe is due to inflammation of the SI joints, reach out to our affiliated specialists to discuss your options today!