TL;DR Quick answer
An image-guided injection into the joint between the spine and pelvis. It is commonly used for sacroiliac joint pain. The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Sacroiliac Joint Injection
Sacroiliac joint injection places local anaesthetic and steroid directly into the sacroiliac joint. It helps confirm the joint as the source of buttock and lower back pain and can provide relief.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15–20 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | X-ray or ultrasound |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Sacroiliac Joint Pain |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
You lie on your front. Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, a needle is placed into the joint and the medicine injected. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Temporary soreness or leg numbness, and rarely infection or bleeding. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Sacroiliac Joint Pain | Pain from the joints linking the spine and pelvis, felt in the buttock and lower back. | Pain in the buttock or low back, often on one side; pain when standing up from sitting |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.