If you're experiencing persistent lower back or pelvic pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy, rest, or medications, you may be dealing with an often-overlooked culprit: sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. The SI joints—located where your spine connects to your pelvis—play a critical role in stabilizing your body, and when they become inflamed or misaligned, they can cause deep, radiating pain that mimics other spinal conditions.
Unfortunately, SI joint pain is frequently misdiagnosed, leading patients to undergo treatments that don’t bring real relief. That’s why an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan is essential—and it starts with choosing the right provider.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in non-surgical, image-guided solutions for joint and spine pain—including SI joint injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint space to reduce inflammation, calm nerve irritation, and provide fast, effective relief. They also serve as a powerful diagnostic tool to confirm whether your SI joint is truly the source of your pain.
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is where your spine meets your pelvis—specifically, it's the connection point between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) and the iliac bones (the large bones that form the pelvis). You have two SI joints—one on each side of the lower back—and together, they help support the weight of your upper body and absorb impact during movement.
When healthy, the SI joints allow for just a small amount of motion. But when they become inflamed, misaligned, or unstable, it can lead to a painful condition known as SI joint dysfunction.
SI joint problems can arise from a variety of factors, including:
Because of its location, SI joint pain often mimics other conditions, such as herniated discs or sciatica. Common symptoms include:
Without the right diagnosis, patients may undergo unnecessary treatments for unrelated spinal conditions, prolonging their discomfort and delaying recovery.
The SI joint is a commonly overlooked source of back pain because its symptoms overlap with so many other spinal and hip issues. In fact, SI joint dysfunction is frequently misdiagnosed as disc problems, sciatica, or hip arthritis—leading patients down a frustrating path of trial-and-error treatments.
That’s why targeted SI joint injections, performed under image guidance, are so valuable. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we use them not only to relieve pain but to confirm the SI joint as the true source of the problem, helping guide the rest of your care plan with confidence.
SI joint injections serve a dual purpose:
A typical SI joint injection includes:
Inflamed SI joints can irritate nearby nerves, leading to deep, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or thighs. The corticosteroid works by calming this inflammation, which in turn interrupts pain signals and allows the surrounding muscles and tissues to relax and function better.
This relief can improve mobility, reduce muscle guarding, and help you move more freely with less discomfort—often after just one treatment.
SI joint dysfunction often presents as deep, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips, especially after long periods of sitting, standing, or walking. If your symptoms have lasted longer than 6 weeks and are interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to explore targeted treatment options.
Have you tried physical therapy, NSAIDs, or lifestyle changes—but still feel stuck in pain? SI joint injections are typically recommended after first-line, non-invasive treatments have failed to provide meaningful or lasting relief.
This makes them an ideal next step before considering more aggressive options like surgery.
During your initial consultation at Medici, we’ll perform specialized tests to isolate SI joint involvement, such as:
If your symptoms align with SI joint dysfunction, and conservative treatments haven't resolved the pain, an image-guided SI joint injection can provide both confirmation and relief.
SI joint injections offer an effective, non-opioid pain management solution—without the need for invasive surgery. For many of our patients, these injections provide a safe, drug-free path to better function, better sleep, and a better life.
Whether you're trying to delay surgery or avoid long-term medication dependency, SI joint injections can serve as a critical bridge in your recovery journey.
SI joint injections are performed right in our Atlanta clinic—no hospital stay or sedation required. We begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring that the procedure is well-tolerated and nearly painless.
Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, your provider inserts a thin needle directly into the sacroiliac joint space and administers a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid.
The entire procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, with the injection itself lasting only a few seconds. Most patients report mild pressure or a slight pinch, but overall, the process is fast and comfortable.
After a brief monitoring period, you’re free to go home the same day.
It’s common to experience temporary soreness or mild discomfort at the injection site for a day or two. Applying ice and avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours typically helps minimize any post-procedure symptoms.
Serious side effects are rare, and most patients resume light activities the next day.
Many patients experience significant improvements in mobility and function within the first week.
Your Medici care team will:
Depending on your response, we may recommend additional injections, physical therapy, or regenerative treatments to prolong and enhance the relief.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent lower back or pelvic pain, and nothing seems to provide lasting relief, it’s time to consider a more precise solution. SI joint injections have helped countless patients finally identify and treat the true source of their pain—without surgery or long-term medications.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we offer advanced, image-guided SI joint injections backed by years of experience, expert diagnostics, and a commitment to whole-person care. Our patient-first philosophy means you’ll never be rushed, overlooked, or given a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, we tailor every treatment to your needs—with the least invasive, most effective options available.
📞 Call Medici at +1-844-328-4624 🌐 Visit medicimedicalarts.com to request an appointment online
📍 Atlanta/Buckhead Clinic
3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30327
📍 Other Convenient Georgia Locations:
At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
Our team delivers specialist care at convenient locations across Metro Atlanta:
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