What is a Sacroiliac Joint Block?
A Sacroiliac Joint Block is an injection procedure used to diagnose and treat low back pain associated with injury or disease to the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joints are located in the area of the low back and buttocks where the pelvis joins with the spine. Injury and disease to these joints will cause pain in the low back, buttocks, abdomen, groin, and legs. The medicine injected reduces inflammation and swelling inside the joint space. This may in turn reduce the pain.
What are the benefits of a Sacroiliac Joint Block?
Sacroiliac joint blocks can reduce inflammation of the joint and provide pain relief.
Can I go to sleep for the procedure?
It is not necessary for you to go to sleep for this procedure; however, you will receive enough medication to keep you comfortable.
How long will the procedure take?
Normally, a sacroiliac joint block procedure takes no more than 30 minutes.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is usually done in an outpatient surgery center or in a hospital where fluoroscopy or x-ray facilities are available.
How is the procedure performed?
For your safety and comfort, you will be connected to monitoring equipment (EKG monitor, blood pressure cuff, and a blood-oxygen monitoring device), and positioned on your stomach. The doctor or nurse may start an intravenous line and give some medicine to help you relax. Your back is cleansed with an antiseptic soap after which the doctor injects numbing medicine deep into your skin and tissue. This will cause a burning sensation for a few seconds. After the numbing medicine takes effect, the doctor will insert another needle and, with the assistance of a special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope, inject a radiopaque dye (contrast solution) to ensure the needle is in proper position. With the needle in position, a small mixture of numbing medicine (anesthetic) and anti-inflammatory medicine (steroid) is injected. Immediately after the procedure, you will get up, walk around, and try to imitate something that would normally bring about your usual pain. We ask that you to remain at the Clinic until the doctor feels you are ready to leave.
I am afraid of needles. Will I have a lot of pain?
Your physician at Advanced Pain Consultants will do everything possible to do the procedure with minimal pain. As explained above, you will be given sedation intravenously and numbing medication (local anesthetic) at the site of the needle placement.
Can I be sedated for the procedure?
Yes. You will be awake, but very comfortable and at peace during the procedure. On occasion we will need to interact with you.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You may experience some weakness and/or numbness in your legs a few hours after the procedure. If so, do not engage in any activities that require lifting, balance and coordination. Drink plenty of clear liquids after the procedure to help remove the dye from the kidneys.
If the doctor prescribes physical therapy, it is very important that you continue with the physical therapy program. Although you may feel much better immediately after the injection (due to the numbing medicine), there is a possibility your pain may return within a few hours. It may take a few days for the steroid medication to start working.
What should I do after the procedure?
You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home. You should take it easy for that day and rest. The next day you should be able to resume your normal daily activities that you were doing prior to the procedure.
Can I go to work the next day?
If you are working prior to the procedure, you can go back to work the day after the procedure. If you are not working prior to the procedure, because of the pain and other problems, you should discuss this with your physician at Advanced Pain Consultants, for further instructions.
What are the risks and side effects?
Usually the procedure is safe. However, with any procedure, there are risks, side effects and complications. The risks, although infrequent, include: allergic reaction to the medication; bruising at the injection site; infection at the injection site. To help prevent infection, we perform the injection under sterile conditions.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Since you will be receiving medication it is recommended that you do not eat within four or five hours before the procedure. If you are a diabetic, be sure to discuss your eating and medication schedule with the doctor.
You may need to stop taking certain medications several days before the procedure. Please remind the doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including herbal and vitamin supplements. The doctor will tell you if and when you need to discontinue the medications.
It is very important to tell the doctor if you have asthma, had an allergic reaction (i.e. hives, itchiness, difficulty breathing, any treatment which required hospitalization) to the injected dye for a previous radiology exam (CT scan, angiogram, etc) or if you have had an allergic reaction to shellfish (shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab). The doctor may prescribe some medications for you to take before having the procedure.
Tell the doctor if you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment.
©2003 copyright Advanced Pain Consultants. Reproduction or redistribution of content is expressly forbidden without the express written consent of Advanced Pain Consultants - 866-656-1100 |