Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
Targeted relief for lower back pain caused by SI joint dysfunction.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections are a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to both diagnose and treat pain originating from the SI joints—where the spine meets the pelvis. These joints are designed for stability, not movement, so any disruption such as inflammation, injury, or ligament laxity can result in intense pain radiating through the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
What Are Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
Sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the sacrum (base of the spine) to the pelvic bones. Although designed for stability, when the surrounding ligaments are injured or weakened, the SI joints can move excessively, leading to chronic pain, instability, and inflammation.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are used to:
Diagnose:
Whether your pain is coming from the Sacroiliac Joint Injection.
Treat:
Inflammation and reduce pain using corticosteroids or other therapies
How the Procedure Works
At Silver Pain Centre, SI joint injections are performed under sterile, image-guided conditions for maximum safety and accuracy.
Step-by-Step Process:
Assessment
Your physician will determine if your pain pattern and physical findings suggest SI joint involvement.
Guided Injection
Using fluoroscopy, a needle is precisely placed into the SI joint. A local anesthetic (and sometimes corticosteroid or prolotherapy solution) is injected.
Observation
You’ll be monitored to assess the response. If the pain disappears temporarily, the test confirms the SI joint is the pain source.
Follow-Up
If beneficial, the injection may be repeated, or other procedures like radiofrequency neurotomy may be considered for longer-term relief.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day.
Why Choose Sacroiliac Joint Injections?
Dual Purpose
SI injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic—helping confirm pain.
Effective for Complex Pain
Can treat hard-to-pinpoint lower back pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or medication.
Precision-Guided
Performed under fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement and maximum safety.
Covered by Insurance
Many plans accept ESI; we’ll help verify your coverage.
Non-Surgical Relief
A minimally invasive alternative to surgery for chronic low back or pelvic pain.
Part of a Holistic Plan
Can be combined with physiotherapy or other interventional treatments for longer-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Image-Guided Injections?
Precise targeting is key when treating SI joint-related pain. That’s why all injections at Silver Pain Centre are performed using advanced imaging.
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Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections ensure accurate needle placement into the SI joint, increasing success and minimizing risk.
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Image guidance helps avoid complications such as misplaced injections or ineffective medication delivery.
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Ultrasound-Guided Techniques may be used in specific cases based on patient anatomy.
How Long Does Relief Last?
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Relief from an SI joint injection may start within 24–48 hours if a local anesthetic is used.
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If cortisone is injected, lasting improvement can take a few days to begin and may last weeks to months.
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If your pain returns, a follow-up injection or long-term procedure like radiofrequency ablation may be considered.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
You may benefit from an SI joint injection if:
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You have persistent lower back or buttock pain not responding to therapy or medication.
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Your symptoms worsen with standing, walking, or rolling in bed.
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Previous scans or assessments suggest SI joint dysfunction or instability.
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You are looking for a non-surgical approach to managing your pain.
Why Choose Silver Pain Centre?
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Specialized team with experience in complex spine and joint conditions.
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All injections are image-guided for optimal precision and safety.
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OHIP-covered consultation with no referral required.
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A personalized care plan tailored to your pain and recovery goals.
What to Expect at Silver Pain Centre?
At Silver Pain Centre, our goal is to make your experience simple, supportive, and focused on helping you find lasting relief from SI joint pain.
Complete Your Self-Referral: Begin by filling out our secure online self-referral form. Our team of pain specialists will review your information within 72 hours and reach out to schedule your initial consultation. No referral is needed, and the consultation is covered by OHIP.
Meet With a Pain Specialist: During your virtual or in-person consultation, one of our experienced physicians will review your symptoms, physical findings, and any previous imaging to determine if your pain is likely originating from the sacroiliac joint.
Receive an Image-Guided SI Joint Injection: If appropriate, we’ll schedule a fluoroscopy-guided injection to either confirm the source of your pain (diagnostic block) or relieve inflammation using corticosteroid medication. The procedure is safe, quick, and precise.
Get Back to Movement—With Ongoing Support: Most patients return home the same day and resume light activities shortly after. Our team will monitor your response and discuss the next steps—whether that’s a repeat injection or a longer-term solution like radiofrequency ablation.
Is this treatment right for you or your patient?
Our Medical Director is here to help. If you have a question about whether this treatment is appropriate for yourself or someone in your care, submit it below and our team will review your inquiry.
Your Partner in Pain Management
At Silver Pain Centre, we understand the challenges of chronic pain. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including joint and back pain, chronic headaches, nerve pain, muscle injuries, post-surgical pain, sports injuries, and more.
Located in North Toronto, our modern 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers shorter wait times and free parking, making access to care easier. With a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, we create tailored treatment plans to deliver long-lasting relief when traditional methods have not succeeded.
Explore Silver Pain Centre Difference
Find Relief from SI Joint Pain—Start Your Self-Referral Today!
If you’re experiencing lower back, pelvic, or buttock pain that may be linked to your sacroiliac joint, don’t wait. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation, available virtually or in person.