Treatments

A Minimally Invasive Approach to Chronic Lower Back and Hip Pain

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing lower back, hip, or pelvic pain, the sacroiliac (SI) joint could be the reason. When this joint becomes irritated or moves abnormally, it can mimic other conditions like sciatica making it hard to diagnose and treat properly.

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we take a personalized approach to pain relief. Our team specializes in advanced, non-surgical treatments for SI joint dysfunction, helping patients get lasting relief and regain their mobility.

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What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

The SI joint connects the base of your spine (the sacrum) to your pelvis (the ilium). It plays an important role in:

• Supporting your body when you sit, stand, or walk
• Absorbing impact from movement
• Providing flexibility and balance to your lower back and pelvis

When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to lingering pain in the lower back, hips, or legs making everyday tasks difficult.

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Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

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What Causes SI Joint Dysfunction?

There are several reasons this joint can become irritated, including:

• A fall, car accident, sports injuries or other trauma
• Pregnancy and childbirth, which can place stress the pelvis
• Arthritis (like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis)
• Leg length differences, which throw off pelvic alignment
• Past lower back surgeries, such as spinal fusion

Without proper treatment, SI joint issues can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

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Explore additional spine and joint treatments.

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Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

SI joint dysfunction often causes:

• One-sided lower back or buttock pain
• Hip, groin, or thigh pain that may radiate down the leg
• Stiffness, especially after sitting or standing too long
• Pain while walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg
• Relief when lying down

If any of these sound familiar, an evaluation can help determine if the SI joint is to blame.

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Learn more about back and spine pain treatments

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How is it Diagnosed?

We start with:

• A physical exam to check joint function and pain points
• SI joint injections to confirm the source of pain
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) to look for inflammation or alignment issues

Once we confirm the diagnosis, we’ll build a treatment plan focused on pain relief, movement, and stability.

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Treatment Options

We offer a range of non-surgical options for managing SI joint dysfunction.

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Physical Therapy & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Core and pelvic strengthening
• Stretching to relieve stiffness
• SI joint belts for added support

SI Joint Injections

We inject a mix of anesthetic and steroid directly into the SI joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Relief may last weeks to months, making it easier to stay active and progress through physical therapy.

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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

This procedure uses heat to target and deactivate the nerves causing SI joint pain. Relief can last 6 to 12 months or longer.

Read about radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain.

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SI Joint Fusion (For More Severe Cases)

If nothing else works, a minimally invasive SI joint fusion may be recommended to stabilize the joint long-term.

Learn more about back and spine pain treatments

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What to Expect After an SI Joint Injection

Most patients feel:

• Immediate pain relief if the SI joint is the cause
• Gradual improvement over the next few days
• Little to no downtime and most patients are able to resume to light activity within 24 hours

If pain returns, we may explore additional treatments like RFA or joint stabilization.

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Benefits of SI injections and Non-Surgical Options Work

• Minimally invasive procedure with  no surgery required
• Fast pain relief, allowing patients to move more comfortably
• Improves joint stability and quality of life
• Helps delay or prevent surgery altogether

Learn more about minimally invasive pain treatments.

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Long-Term SI Joint Care

To keep symptoms under control, we may also recommend:

• Physical therapy for strength and mobility
• Stretching and posture improvements
• Lifestyle adjustments such as using ergonomic seating and modifying activities

If symptoms continue, we’ll reassess and may recommend additional injections, nerve ablation, or SI joint fusion.

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FAQs

How long do injections last?
Pain relief typically lasts several weeks to a few months.

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Do injections hurt?
Most patients feel only discomfort thanks to local anesthesia.

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Will I need surgery?
Surgery is only considered if other treatments don’t help. Most people do well without it.

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Does insurance cover this?
Many insurance plans cover SI joint injections. Our team will help you check your benefits.

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Why Choose Us?

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we treat the root cause of your pain and not just the symptoms. Our experienced providers use the latest techniques to help you feel better, faster.

• Experts in SI joint treatments and diagnostics
• Advanced imaging for precise, effective care
• Personalized pain plans that fit your lifestyle