SACROILIAC INJECTION: What to expect

> Will I be "put out" for this procedure?
Not usually. This procedure is normally performed under local anesthesia. Some patients also receive intravenous sedation and analgesia, which makes the procedure easier to tolerate. The amount of sedation given generally depends upon the patient’s tolerance. If you think you will require a general anesthetic for this procedure, please inform us at least 1 week in advance of your appointment. Dr. Becker will arrange for another Board Certified Anesthesiologist to be there for you for the anesthetic portion of your procedure.

> How is the injection performed?
It is done with the patient lying on the stomach, under x-ray control. The patients are monitored with EKG, blood pressure cuff and blood oxygen-monitoring device. The skin in the back is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the injection is carried out. After the injection, you are placed on your back or on your side.

> What should I expect after the injection?
Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will last only for a few hours. Your pain will return and you may have a "sore back" for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion as well as initial irritation form the steroid itself. You should start noticing pain relief starting the 5th day or so.

> What should I do after the procedure?
You must have a ride home. We advise the patients to take it easy for a day or so after the procedure. You may want to apply ice to the affected area. You may perform the activities as tolerated by you.

> Can I go to work to work the next day?
Unless there are complications, you should be able to return to your work the next day. The most common thing you may feel is some soreness at the injection sites.

> How long the effect of the medication lasts?
The immediate effect is usually from the local anesthetic injected. This wears off in a few hours. The steroid starts working in about 5 to 7 days and its effect can last for several days to a few months.

> How many injections do I need to have?
If the first injection does not relieve your symptoms in about a week to two weeks, you may be recommended to have one more injection. If you respond to the injections and still have residual pain, you may be recommended for a third injection.

> Can I have more than three injections?
In a six-month period, we generally do not perform more than three injections. This is because the medication injected lasts for about six months. If three injections have not helped you much, it is very unlikely that you will get any further benefit from more injections. Also, giving more injections will increase the likelihood of side effects from cortisone.