Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections: Finding Relief from Lower Back and Hip Pain

If you’ve been living with persistent low back or hip pain, your sacroiliac (SI) joints could be the hidden source of your discomfort. These small but powerful joints connect your spine to your pelvis and help absorb shock with every step you take.

When they become irritated or inflamed, everyday movements like standing, walking, or even sitting can trigger sharp, aching pain. Fortunately, sacroiliac joint injections offer both diagnostic insight and lasting relief for many patients dealing with this type of pain.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our board-certified pain specialists perform SI joint injections using image-guided precision helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve their quality of life.

Understanding SI Joint Pain

Your sacroiliac joints are located where the sacrum (the triangle-shaped bone at the base of your spine) meets the iliac bones of your pelvis. When functioning normally, they provide stability and flexibility.

However, inflammation, arthritis, trauma, or pregnancy-related changes can cause these joints to become painful.

Common symptoms of SI joint pain include:

• Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips
• Pain that worsens when standing up or climbing stairs
• Discomfort after sitting for long periods
• Pain that radiates into the groin or thighs

Because these symptoms often mimic other spinal issues, an SI joint injection can help determine whether the joint is truly the source of pain.

What Is a Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injection?

An SI joint injection serves two purposes:

1. Diagnosis – To confirm that the SI joint is the pain source.
2. Treatment – To relieve pain and inflammation within the joint.

The injection contains a local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation over time). Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your provider precisely places the medication directly into the joint to ensure optimal results.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Injection

Before the Procedure

• You’ll review your medical history and current medications with your provider.
• If you take blood thinners or have diabetes, your physician may give you special pre-procedure instructions.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as temporary numbness or weakness can occur.

During the Procedure

• The injection is typically done in an outpatient setting and takes about 10–20 minutes.
• You’ll lie face down while the area is sterilized and numbed.
• Under fluoroscopic guidance, your physician will insert a thin needle into the SI joint and inject the medication.
• Most patients describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable but tolerable.

After the Procedure

• You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site for a day or two.
• Many patients notice immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, followed by longer-term improvement as the steroid takes effect over the next few days.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, then resume normal activity as tolerated.

Your provider will ask you to track your pain levels after the injection, this helps determine how much relief the injection provides and whether additional treatments might be beneficial.

How Long Do SI Joint Injections Last?

Relief from a sacroiliac joint injection can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of inflammation and your overall condition.

Some patients may benefit from a series of injections, while others experience long-term improvement after just one. For those with chronic or recurring SI joint pain, advanced treatments such as SI Fusion may offer even longer-lasting results.

Complementary Treatments for Lasting Relief

While injections can provide significant pain relief, they often work best as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. At Greater Austin Pain Center, we may combine SI joint injections with:

• Physical therapy to strengthen core and pelvic muscles
• Medication management to control inflammation
• Lifestyle modifications to improve posture and reduce strain
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as RFA, for extended pain control

When to Consider an SI Joint Injection

If you’ve tried over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, or chiropractic care without lasting results, it may be time to see a pain specialist. You could be a candidate for an SI joint injection if you have:

• Localized pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips
• Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged standing
• Relief when lying down
• Previous imaging suggesting SI joint dysfunction

Get Back to Moving Comfortably

Chronic low back or hip pain doesn’t have to limit your life. Sacroiliac joint injections are a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment that can help you pinpoint the cause of your pain and find lasting relief.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our experienced pain management team provides personalized, evidence-based treatments designed to help you move, work, and live more comfortably.

Schedule your consultation today at one of our convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, or Dripping Springs. Together, we can find safer, more effective solutions for lasting pain relief.