What Are Sacroiliac Injections?
Sacroiliac injections are a minimally invasive pain management procedure designed to relieve inflammation and discomfort originating in the sacroiliac joint, the joint that connects your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to your ilium (the large, upper portion of your pelvis). This joint bears a tremendous amount of the body’s load and stress with every step you take, every time you sit down, and every time you shift your weight. When it becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, the resulting pain can be severe, persistent, and surprisingly wide-reaching, radiating into the lower back, buttocks, groin, and even down the leg in a pattern that is frequently mistaken for a herniated disc or sciatica.
So what is a sacroiliac shot, exactly? During the procedure, a pain management physician uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to precisely direct a needle into the sacroiliac joint space. A combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication is then injected directly into the joint. The anesthetic provides immediate, short-term numbing that can help confirm the SI joint is the true source of your pain, while the steroid works over the following days to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief. The entire procedure typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Understanding what a sacroiliac shot does is important for patients weighing their options. These injections serve a dual purpose: they are both diagnostic and therapeutic. If your pain is significantly reduced after the injection, that response confirms that the SI joint is contributing to your symptoms, giving your care team valuable information to guide your long-term treatment plan. As a form of injections for chronic pain, sacroiliac shots are not a permanent cure, but they can provide meaningful relief that lasts weeks to months, reduce your dependence on oral pain medications, and create a window of reduced pain during which physical therapy and rehabilitation can be more productive and effective.
What Conditions Do Sacroiliac Shots Help Treat?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is more common than many patients realize, and it is one of the leading contributors to chronic low back pain. Sacroiliac injections are appropriate for a range of conditions that affect the SI joint and the structures surrounding it. Patients often arrive at Pain Management of North Dallas after months or even years of trying to manage their discomfort with rest, oral medications, or chiropractic care, only to find that targeted injections for pain relief provide the relief those approaches couldn’t deliver on their own.
Conditions commonly treated with sacroiliac injections include:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or abnormal movement or misalignment of the SI joint causing pain and stiffness
- Sacroiliitis, or inflammation of one or both SI joints, often associated with arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
- Degenerative joint disease of the SI joint, or age-related wear and tear that causes cartilage breakdown and joint pain
- Post-pregnancy pelvic pain, or hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy that destabilize and inflame the SI joint
- Piriformis syndrome, or muscle dysfunction near the SI joint that creates overlapping pain patterns
- Post-surgical back pain, or SI joint stress that develops after lumbar fusion surgery, sometimes called adjacent segment disease
It’s worth noting that many patients with SI joint pain have already been told their imaging looks normal or that their pain is “just” muscle tightness. The sacroiliac joint can cause significant, life-limiting pain even when X-rays and MRIs appear unremarkable. Our physicians use a thorough clinical evaluation including physical examination, functional movement testing, and carefully placed diagnostic injections to accurately identify whether the SI joint is the true driver of your symptoms before recommending a treatment path.
Get Sacroiliac Injections in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Beyond
At Pain Management of North Dallas, we believe that where you receive care matters as much as the care itself. Our practice was built on a simple conviction: patients dealing with chronic pain deserve access to specialist-level treatment close to home, delivered by physicians who take the time to truly understand their history, lifestyle, and goals. We are proud to serve the communities of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Dallas with a team of fellowship-trained, board-certified pain management specialists who bring advanced training and genuine compassion to every patient encounter.
Before recommending sacroiliac injections or any other intervention, our physicians conduct thorough evaluations to ensure the treatment is appropriate, well-timed, and integrated into a broader care strategy. We use real-time imaging guidance for all injection procedures to maximize accuracy, safety, and outcomes. Our clinics are designed to be welcoming and efficient, and our care teams are committed to answering your questions, explaining your options in plain language, and supporting you from your first visit through your recovery.
Whether you live in Frisco, Plano, McKinney or the greater Dallas area, request an appointment online now to get started with sacroiliac injections today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacroiliac Injections in North Dallas
How long does it take to feel relief after sacroiliac injections?
Many patients notice some initial relief within hours of their procedure due to the local anesthetic component of the injection. However, that effect is temporary. The corticosteroid typically takes a few days to begin reducing inflammation, and optimal relief is often felt within a few weeks. The duration of relief varies by patient: some experience improvement for several weeks, while others enjoy several months of reduced pain.
Are sacroiliac injections safe? Are there any side effects?
Sacroiliac injections have a well-established safety profile when performed by trained, experienced specialists using imaging guidance. As with any injection procedure, there is a small risk of temporary soreness at the injection site, minor bruising, or a brief flare of pain in the days immediately following the procedure. Your physician will review your full medical history prior to the procedure and discuss any individual risk factors with you in detail.
How many SI joint injections can I receive?
The appropriate frequency depends on how well you respond to each injection, your overall health, and what other treatments are part of your pain management plan.
Do I need a referral to see a pain management specialist at Pain Management of North Dallas?
In most cases, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation at our practice. We welcome patients who have been referred by their primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor, but we also see patients who come to us directly seeking answers to persistent pain. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding referral requirements specific to your plan. Our team is happy to assist you with insurance verification and answer any questions about what to expect at your first visit.
