What is the Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

If you’re experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, you may be wondering about the treatment options available to alleviate your discomfort. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various treatment modalities for sacroiliac joint pain, providing you with a detailed understanding of how to find relief. At New York Knee Pain Doctor, our board-certified interventional pain doctors specialize in minimally invasive treatments, ensuring you receive effective care without resorting to opioids or surgery.

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located at the base of the spine, connecting the sacrum and the ilium. This joint plays a crucial role in supporting the upper body and transferring forces between the spine and the legs. When the sacroiliac joint becomes dysfunctional or injured, it can lead to sacroiliac joint pain, also known as sacroiliitis.

To determine the appropriate treatment for sacroiliac joint pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Your healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Diagnosis helps identify the underlying cause of your pain, which could include SI joint dysfunction, psoriatic arthritis sacroiliitis, or SI joint injury from a car accident.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain. A structured physical therapy program is designed to improve the stability of the SI joint, strengthen the muscles that support the joint, and enhance flexibility. A trained physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan that includes therapeutic exercises targeting the affected area. These exercises stabilize the joint, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the SI joint. Additionally, stretching exercises are incorporated to improve flexibility and alleviate muscle tightness.

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for sacroiliac joint pain. Chiropractors are skilled in performing various techniques, including sacroiliac joint adjustments, to alleviate pain and restore proper alignment in the joint. Through gentle manipulation, chiropractors reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and alleviate pressure on the nerves surrounding the sacroiliac joint. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor who has experience in treating sacroiliac joint pain.

At New York Knee Pain Doctor, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures that directly target the source of sacroiliac joint pain. These procedures provide long-lasting relief while minimizing the risks and recovery time associated with more invasive surgical interventions.

• SI joint injections: SI joint injections involve injecting a mixture of corticosteroids and local anesthetics directly into the affected sacroiliac joint. The corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the joint and alleviate pain. At the same time, the local anesthetics provide immediate pain relief by numbing the area. SI joint injections can provide effective and targeted relief.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a specialized procedure used to disrupt the pain signals originating from the sacroiliac joint. It involves using heat energy generated by radiofrequency waves to create a lesion on the nerves that transmit pain signals from the joint. By interrupting the pain signals, RFA provides long-term pain relief for patients with sacroiliac joint pain. The procedure is performed using fluoroscopic guidance for precision.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative regenerative medicine technique that utilizes the patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration in the sacroiliac joint. During the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and processed to separate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors and healing properties. The concentrated platelets are injected into the sacroiliac joint, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The growth factors present in the platelets help to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.

In rare cases when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. SI joint fusion is a surgical procedure that aims to stabilize the joint by fusing the sacrum and ilium together. This procedure is typically performed when all non-surgical options have been exhausted and the SI joint dysfunction significantly impairs quality of life.

For individuals with psoriatic arthritis and accompanying sacroiliitis, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. Rheumatologists play a vital role in managing psoriatic arthritis, while pain management specialists can address the sacroiliac joint pain specifically. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and targeted interventions to manage both conditions effectively.

When seeking treatment for sacroiliac joint pain, it is important to consult with the appropriate healthcare professional. While general practitioners can provide initial guidance, specialists such as pain management doctors, rheumatologists, and chiropractors with expertise in sacroiliac joint pain are often better equipped to offer comprehensive care.

Sacroiliac joint pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective treatments are available. At New York Knee Pain Doctor, we prioritize diagnosing the root cause of your pain and offer minimally invasive procedures to provide long-lasting relief without resorting to opioids or surgery. By consulting with our board-certified interventional pain doctors, you can find a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and experience relief from sacroiliac joint pain. Don’t let the discomfort hold you back—seek appropriate care and regain your quality of life.