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Condition

SI Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint connects the base of your spine to your pelvis. When it is not moving or carrying load correctly, the result is a deep, nagging low back and buttock pain that standard back treatments often miss.

Overview

SI joint pain commonly shows up after pregnancy, injury, prior lumbar fusion, or years of asymmetric loading. The joint is small and deep, so the pain is often mistaken for low back or hip pain.

A targeted, image-guided SI joint injection both confirms the diagnosis and brings relief. For many patients, one injection is enough. For others, we layer in additional options.

Symptoms & causes

SI joint pain has some telltale features that help us sort it out from other back problems.

Pain in the buttock or sacrum, often on one side
Worse with transitions like rising from a chair or turning in bed
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
Occasional pain radiating into the groin or upper thigh

When to see a doctor

Seek care if…

Call us for new weakness, bladder or bowel changes, or saddle numbness. These need immediate evaluation. Fever plus back pain also warrants prompt attention.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know it is my SI joint and not my low back?

A few clues: pain located lower and more lateral, worse with sit-to-stand, and often on one side. A diagnostic injection into the joint confirms the source when clinical signs are unclear.

How long does an SI injection last?

Anywhere from several weeks to many months. If pain keeps returning quickly, radiofrequency ablation can extend relief significantly.

Can both sides be treated?

Yes. When both SI joints are symptomatic, we address them in a staged plan to manage recovery and minimize downtime.