Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a frequent and often overlooked cause of lower back, hip, and buttock pain. Many patients in Snellville live for months—or even years—with discomfort that affects standing, walking, sleeping, and daily activities, without realizing the SI joint may be the true source of their pain.
One of the challenges with SI joint pain is that it is commonly misdiagnosed. Because symptoms closely resemble disc problems, hip arthritis, or sciatica, patients are often treated for the wrong condition. When treatment doesn’t work, frustration grows and pain becomes chronic.
Ultrasound-guided SI joint injections offer a minimally invasive, highly targeted approach to diagnosing and relieving SI joint pain—without radiation exposure. By using real-time ultrasound imaging, physicians can visualize anatomy directly and deliver medication precisely where it is needed.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Snellville, ultrasound-guided SI joint injections are performed by experienced physicians as part of a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to pain relief. Our focus is on precision, safety, and lasting improvement—using the least invasive options possible.
Because the SI joint sits at the intersection of the spine, pelvis, and hips, symptoms can vary and overlap with other conditions.
Common signs of SI joint pain include:
SI joint symptoms frequently mimic:
Without image-guided diagnostic techniques, the SI joint may be overlooked—leading to ineffective treatments and prolonged pain.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Snellville, careful evaluation and ultrasound-guided procedures help confirm whether the SI joint is truly the pain generator, allowing for targeted treatment that makes a meaningful difference.
SI joint injections involve placing medication into the sacroiliac joint space or surrounding structures. They are commonly used when clinical exams and imaging suggest the SI joint may be contributing to lower back or pelvic pain. Relief following the injection can be both therapeutic (reducing pain) and diagnostic (confirming the SI joint as the pain generator).
Ultrasound guidance allows the physician to visualize soft tissues, joint structures, and needle placement in real time. This live imaging ensures the medication is delivered precisely to the intended area while avoiding nearby nerves and blood vessels. Because ultrasound shows movement as it happens, adjustments can be made instantly to improve accuracy and safety.
SI joint injections typically include:
The combination helps calm irritated tissues and improve function while avoiding systemic medication exposure.
Real-Time Visualization of Soft Tissue and Joint Structures
Physicians can directly see the joint, surrounding ligaments, muscles, and vessels during the procedure—enhancing control and precision.
Improved Accuracy and Precision
Accurate needle placement increases the likelihood that medication reaches the true pain source, improving both diagnostic clarity and treatment effectiveness.
Reduced Risk of Misplaced Injections
Seeing anatomy in real time lowers the risk of injecting medication into unintended tissues, which can reduce complications and improve outcomes.
No Ionizing Radiation Exposure
Unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound does not use radiation—making it safer for patients who may require repeat injections over time.
Enhanced Safety for Repeat Procedures
Because there is no radiation burden, ultrasound-guided injections can be safely repeated when clinically appropriate.
Faster Procedure Time and Greater Patient Comfort
Ultrasound-guided procedures are often quicker and more comfortable, with less need for repositioning or contrast dye.
Patients With Suspected or Confirmed SI Joint Dysfunction
Individuals whose symptoms and exam findings point to the SI joint as a pain source often benefit from targeted injections.
Those Who Have Not Responded to Conservative Treatments
Patients who continue to struggle despite physical therapy, medications, or activity modification may find relief through image-guided injections.
Patients With Post-Surgical Low Back Pain
SI joint dysfunction is a common and frequently overlooked cause of pain after lumbar spine surgery, including fusion procedures.
Individuals Seeking Non-Surgical, Minimally Invasive Pain Relief
For patients wishing to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on medications, ultrasound-guided injections offer an effective alternative.
Not every case of low back pain originates from the SI joint. A thorough physician evaluation is essential to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that ultrasound-guided SI joint injections are appropriate and likely to help.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Snellville, injections are never performed in isolation—they are part of a thoughtful, physician-led plan focused on accurate diagnosis, safety, and meaningful pain relief.
Before the procedure, your physician will:
Most patients do not need special preparation. You may be advised about medication adjustments prior to the injection, depending on your individual health profile.
Ultrasound provides real-time visualization throughout the injection. This allows the physician to continuously monitor needle placement, adjust positioning as needed, and avoid nearby nerves or blood vessels—enhancing both accuracy and safety.
The entire injection process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, including preparation. Patients are usually able to return home shortly afterward.
Relief duration varies by patient and underlying condition. Some experience relief lasting weeks to months, while others may benefit longer when injections are combined with additional therapies.
If pain returns, repeat injections may be considered at appropriate intervals. In some cases, additional treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or regenerative therapies may be recommended based on response.
Injections often work best when paired with:
This combined approach helps prolong relief and improve long-term outcomes.
Sacroiliac joint pain can be frustrating, disruptive, and difficult to pinpoint—but accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment make all the difference. Because SI joint symptoms often mimic spine or hip conditions, precision is essential for achieving meaningful relief.
Ultrasound-guided SI joint injections offer a clear advantage by allowing physicians to visualize anatomy in real time and deliver medication exactly where it is needed. This precision improves outcomes, reduces unnecessary exposure to radiation, and enhances overall patient safety. When performed by experienced specialists, these minimally invasive injections can both confirm the source of pain and provide significant relief.
If lower back or pelvic pain is limiting your daily life, expert care can help. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Snellville, our physicians provide compassionate, precise, and minimally invasive care using advanced ultrasound-guided techniques.
Schedule a consultation today to learn if ultrasound-guided SI joint injections are right for you.
Medici Orthopaedics & Spine
🌐 Website: https://www.mediciortho.com/
📞 Main Appointment Line: +1-844-328-4624
Marietta
792 Church Street, Unit 101
Marietta, GA 30060
📞 (470) 795-8398
Snellville
2220 Wisteria Dr, Unit 100
Snellville, GA 30078
📞 (470) 795-8398
Snellville
2220 Wisteria Drive, Unit 101
Snellville, GA 30078
📞 (470) 645-9297
Kennesaw
2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50
Kennesaw, GA 30144
📞 (770) 545-6404
Buckhead PM&R
3200 Downwood Circle, NW, Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30327
📞 (770) 872-7549
At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
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