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.
What are the 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? Dr. Manvar 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, the injection can properly diagnose the condition, and second, it can 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. Dr. Manvar will perform the injection using fluoroscopy (X-ray) image to view and guide the needle through the joints in order to be as precise as possible.
This will reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months. The entire procedure lasts about 1 to 2 minutes. 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.
SI Joint Fusion
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a small incision, usually less than two inches long. Under XR, Dr. Manvar will insert titanium implants across the sacroiliac joint to provide stability.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes and is often performed in an outpatient setting. Most patients are back to their normal routine within a few weeks and it is a “definitive treatment” for these patients, and one that should not impact their range of motion.
If you or a loved one are experiencing pain you believe is due to inflammation of the SI joints, reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Manvar today! 704-317-1440.
