4 Non-Surgical Ways to Find Relief from Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SI Joint Pain) can be a debilitating condition, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This pain, located in the lower back and buttocks, can radiate down the legs, causing discomfort and limitations in daily life. Thankfully, there are non-surgical treatment options available to alleviate SI joint pain, including Image-Guided Injections such as Intra-articular Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolotherapy, Steroid Injection, and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these treatments and provide insights supported by references from published articles and medical journals.

Before delving into the non-surgical treatments, let’s briefly understand the sacroiliac joint and the pain it can cause. The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the uppermost bone of the pelvis). When this joint becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, it can lead to chronic lower back pain.

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment gaining popularity in the field of pain management. It involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this PRP into the sacroiliac joint. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

PRP promotes tissue healing and regeneration by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. It can help repair damaged tissues within the sacroiliac joint, reduce inflammation, and ultimately alleviate pain.

A study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (2019) demonstrated that PRP injections in the sacroiliac joint significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic SI joint pain.

Needle Location used for injection of the sacroiiac ligaments. Trigger point of ligaments: (IL) Iliolumbar; (LS) Lumbosacral-supra and interspinus; (A,B,C,D,) Posterior sacroiliac; (SS) Sacroapinus; (ST) Sacrotuberus;(SC) Sacrococcygeal;(H) Hip-Articular; (SN) Sciatic nerve (from G.S. Hackett, Ligament and Tendon Relaxation. Charles C. Thomas Co., 1958)

Sacroiliac joint prolotherapy is sometimes used to treat sacroiliac joint pain. Protocols vary for this

Prolotherapy, also known as “proliferative therapy” or “regenerative injection therapy,” is another non-surgical option for SI joint pain. This treatment involves injecting a solution (usually dextrose or other irritants) into the ligaments and tendons around the sacroiliac joint.

The irritant solution stimulates the body’s natural healing response, causing the ligaments and tendons to strengthen and tighten. This can stabilize the SI joint, reducing pain and improving joint function.

A systematic review published in the journal “Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders” (2017) reported that Prolotherapy can be an effective treatment for chronic sacroiliac joint pain, with improvement seen in pain scores and function.

Steroid injections into the sacroiliac joint can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain. A corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, is often used for this purpose.

Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. When injected into the sacroiliac joint, they can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.

A randomized controlled trial published in the journal “Pain Physician” (2013) found that steroid injections provided significant pain relief in patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain. However, the duration of pain relief varied among individuals.

right sacroiliac joint target lesion sites. On the right side, L5 dorsal ramus, 2,4:30 and 6 o’clock for S1 and S2, while S3 only 2, 4:30 o’clock were targeted.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency waves to disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the sacroiliac joint to the brain.

During the procedure, a specialized needle with a heating element at the tip is guided into the sacroiliac joint using fluoroscopy or ultrasound. The nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals are then heated and destroyed, providing long-lasting pain relief.

A study published in the “Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology” (2014) reported that radiofrequency ablation of the sacroiliac joint nerves resulted in significant pain relief and improved functional outcomes in patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain.

Sacroiliac joint pain can be a challenging condition to manage, but non-surgical treatments such as Intra-articular Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolotherapy, Steroid Injections, and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) offer promising options for relief. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and disrupt pain signals, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from SI joint pain.

It’s important to consult with a qualified pain management specialist such as At Alleviate Pain Clinic to determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs and medical history. These non-surgical interventions have demonstrated efficacy in numerous clinical studies, making them valuable choices for those seeking relief from sacroiliac joint pain without resorting to surgery.

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10. Image taken from https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/ articles/ 10.1186/ s12891-023-06344-7/ figures/ 2