Individuals who are suffering from sacroiliac joint pain only know how challenging dealing with it can be. However, there are various treatment options, including sacroiliac joint injections, available to help manage discomfort and improve quality of life.
Supporting body weight and enabling movement are two important functions of the sacroiliac joint, which joins the spine and pelvis. When this joint becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, it can cause significant pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the legs.
Rest and Activity Modification
One of the initial steps in managing sacroiliac joint pain involves rest and modifying activities that may aggravate the condition. Patients are often advised to avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities like running or walking on inclined surfaces. Giving the joint time to heal and avoiding stress on the area can significantly reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises and physical therapy play a vital role in treating sacroiliac joint pain. A trained therapist can guide patients through specific stretches and strengthening exercises designed to improve joint stability, flexibility, and overall function.
Regular exercise not only helps manage pain but also prevents future episodes by strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Heat and Ice Therapy
Applying heat or ice to the affected area can provide relief from sacroiliac joint pain. Heat therapy helps relax muscles and increase blood flow, while ice can reduce inflammation and numbness. Patients often find alternating between heat and ice therapy effective in managing their symptoms.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to manage sacroiliac joint pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, muscle relaxants or prescription pain medications may be recommended, but these are typically used sparingly and under close medical supervision.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection
For patients who don’t find sufficient relief from conservative treatments, a sacroiliac joint injection may be recommended. During this process, a local anesthetic and corticosteroid combination are injected straight into the joint.
A sacroiliac joint injection can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic benefits, offering pain relief that can last for several months.
The sacroiliac joint injection procedure is performed under imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement of the medication. Many patients experience significant pain reduction following a sacroiliac joint injection, allowing them to progress with physical therapy and other conservative treatments more effectively.
Radiofrequency Ablation
In cases where a sacroiliac joint injection provides temporary relief, radiofrequency ablation might be considered. In order to deactivate the nerves that transmit pain signals from the sacroiliac joint, a minimally invasive procedure uses heat. While more complex than other treatments due to the joint’s intricate nerve supply, radiofrequency ablation can offer longer-lasting pain relief for some patients.
Lumbo-sacral Orthotic Bracing
Wearing a specialized brace can help stabilize the sacroiliac joint and reduce pain during daily activities. In a way that it helps distribute weight more evenly and lessen stress on the injured joint, braces support the lower back and pelvis.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing persistent lower back or buttock pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to consult a pain management specialist.
Keep in mind that the best results are frequently achieved with early intervention and a thorough approach to therapy. From conservative measures to advanced procedures like sacroiliac joint injections, numerous options are available to help manage sacroiliac joint pain effectively.
