SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTIONS IN SEWELL, NEW JERSEY

Sacroiliac joint injections are a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat pain in the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back and connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the iliac bones (the large bones on either side of the pelvis). These joints can become a source of pain due to various conditions such as arthritis, injury, or inflammation.

During a sacroiliac joint injection, a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication are injected into the sacroiliac joint to provide pain relief. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and provides longer-term relief. The injection is usually performed under fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray guidance) to ensure accurate needle placement.

Sacroiliac joint injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting, such as a clinic or a specialized pain management center. Here's an overview of the procedure:

• Preparation: The patient lies face down on an examination table, and the skin around the injection site is cleaned and sterilized.
• Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and tissues overlying the sacroiliac joint. This helps minimize discomfort during the injection.
• Needle placement: Using fluoroscopy for guidance, the physician inserts a thin needle into the sacroiliac joint. The fluoroscope provides real-time X-ray images to ensure accurate needle placement.
• Contrast dye injection (optional): In some cases, a small amount of contrast dye may be injected to confirm the needle's correct position within the joint.
• Medication injection: Once the needle is properly positioned, a mixture of a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) and a corticosteroid medication (such as triamcinolone) is injected into the joint.
• Post-injection observation: After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications or adverse reactions.
• The entire procedure usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Some patients may experience immediate pain relief due to the anesthetic, while the corticosteroid typically takes a few days to reach its maximum effect.

Sacroiliac joint injections can be used to both diagnose and treat certain conditions that cause pain in the sacroiliac joints. These conditions may include:

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: This refers to abnormal movement or misalignment of the sacroiliac joint, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, often caused by conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or reactive arthritis.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the sacroiliac joints can cause pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic injury: Direct trauma or repetitive stress to the sacroiliac joints can result in pain and dysfunction.

By injecting an anesthetic and corticosteroid into the sacroiliac joint, the physician can confirm whether the joint is the source of pain and provide temporary or long-term relief, depending on the response to the injection.

It's important to note that sacroiliac joint injections are not always a definitive solution for chronic pain, and the effectiveness of the procedure may vary from person to person. It's recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.