(646) 779-0995
palviamd@physiologicnyc.com
409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYSI Joint Pain
SI Joint Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain originates from the joints that connect the base of the spine to the pelvis and play a key role in load transfer and stability. Because SI joint pain can closely resemble other causes of low back or hip pain, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, SI joint pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.
Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine and joint care.
What Is SI Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints are located on each side of the lower spine, where the sacrum meets the pelvis. These joints help absorb forces between the upper body and legs. SI joint pain occurs when one or both joints become inflamed, irritated, or mechanically unstable.
Because SI joint pain can mimic disc-related or facet-mediated back pain, careful evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Common SI Joint Pain Symptoms
Symptoms may vary but commonly include:
SI joint pain typically does not cause true nerve symptoms such as numbness or weakness unless other structures are involved.
Pain in the lower back, buttock, or hip region
Pain that may radiate into the groin or upper thigh
Discomfort worsened by standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Pain with prolonged sitting or changing positions
Stiffness or a sense of instability in the pelvis
Common Causes of SI Joint Pain We Evaluate
SI joint pain can develop due to several factors, including:
Degenerative changes of the SI joint
Trauma or injury to the pelvis or lower back
Pregnancy-related ligament laxity or postpartum changes
Altered biomechanics from prior spine surgery
Leg length discrepancies or gait abnormalities
Inflammatory conditions affecting the joints
Identifying the underlying cause helps guide appropriate treatment.
How SI Joint Pain Is Evaluated
Evaluation focuses on determining whether the SI joint is the primary source of pain. A physician-led assessment may include:
Detailed clinical history and physical examination
Provocative manoeuvres to assess SI joint involvement
Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available
Image-guided diagnostic SI joint injections to confirm the pain source
Diagnostic injections are particularly important because imaging alone often cannot definitively identify SI joint pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain
Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:
Image-guided SI joint injections
Epidural steroid injections when other pain generators coexist
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting SI joint–related nerves, when appropriate
Trigger point injections for associated muscle spasm
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate
All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a comprehensive care plan.
When a Specialist Evaluation May Help
You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:
Lower back or buttock pain persists despite therapy
Pain worsens with standing, walking, or transitional movements
Imaging does not clearly explain symptoms
Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief
Surgery has been suggested, but non-surgical options are desired
A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether the SI joint is contributing to your pain and outline appropriate next steps.
Schedule an SI Joint Pain Evaluation
If SI joint pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.