(646) 779-0995
palviamd@physiologicnyc.com
409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYSI Joint Injection
SI Joint Injection for Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are image-guided procedures used to diagnose and relieve pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation of this joint is a common but often overlooked cause of lower back and buttock pain.
At Motionis Medicine, SI joint injections are performed as part of a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach using advanced imaging for precision and safety.
WHAT IS AN SI JOINT INJECTION?
The sacroiliac joints sit on either side of the lower spine and play an important role in transferring forces between the upper body and legs. When these joints become inflamed or unstable, they can cause persistent pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or groin.
Reduce inflammation
Decrease pain signals
Improve mobility and tolerance for activity
Help confirm whether the SI joint is the primary pain source
CONDITIONS TREATED WITH SI JOINT INJECTIONS
SI joint injections are most often used when pain is suspected to originate from the sacroiliac joint, commonly associated with conditions such as:
SI Joint Pain
caused by joint inflammation or dysfunction
Lower Back Pain
involving the lumbosacral region
Spondylolisthesis
with altered pelvic mechanics
Post Surgical Pain
following lumbar spine procedures
Pregnancy-related
or trauma-related pelvic instability
SI joint pain often worsens with standing, walking, climbing stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
HOW SI JOINT INJECTIONS ARE PERFORMED
SI joint injections are performed using real-time image guidance to ensure accurate access to the sacroiliac joint, which is located deep within the pelvis and cannot be reliably targeted without imaging. On the day of the procedure:
Patient Positioning
Patients are positioned to allow safe access to the SI joint
Local Anesthesia
The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Image Guidance
Fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance is used to identify the joint anatomy
Targeted Injection
Medication is carefully delivered into the sacroiliac joint
Recovery Monitoring
Patients are monitored briefly before discharge.
ROLE OF SI JOINT INJECTIONS IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
SI joint injections may serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, depending on how they are used within a patient’s care plan.
Diagnostic role
Because SI joint pain can mimic other spine or hip conditions, temporary pain relief following an injection helps confirm the sacroiliac joint as a contributor to symptoms.
Therapeutic role
Anti-inflammatory medication delivered into the joint may reduce pain and improve function, sometimes for weeks or longer.
IMAGE GUIDANCE & SAFETY
Image guidance allows the physician to:
Confirm correct needle placement within the joint
Avoid nearby nerves and blood vessels
Deliver medication precisely to the targeted structure
This approach reflects modern standards in interventional spine and pelvic care.
PHYSICIAN EXPERTISE
All SI joint injections at Motionis Medicine are performed by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with advanced training in image-guided spine and joint procedures.
Dr. Palvia personally evaluates each patient and determines whether an SI joint injection is appropriate as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan.
What Outcomes Can Patients Expect?
Response to SI joint injections varies depending on the underlying cause of pain. Patients may experience:
Temporary or sustained pain relief
Improved mobility and tolerance for activity
Better ability to participate in rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
Relief may last weeks to months, depending on the underlying condition.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic and comfort measures are used.
It can serve both roles, depending on how it is used in your treatment plan.
In some cases, they may delay or avoid surgery, but outcomes vary.
Schedule a Spine & Pelvic Evaluation
If lower back or pelvic pain is affecting your daily activities, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether an SI joint injection is appropriate.
Book an Appointment