What if SI Joint Injections Don't Work?
Living with chronic low back pain can be challenging, especially when the pain causes limitations in daily activities. This can lead to frustration and despair as patients are unable to find relief. Treating low back pain becomes even more challenging if the sacroiliac (SI) joints are involved. That is because SI-joint-related back pain traditionally goes underdiagnosed and subsequently under-treated – even though the SI joints account for 15-30% of all low back pain cases.
Diagnosing SI joint dysfunction requires a combination of both a physical examination and various diagnostic tests. However, one of the most common diagnostic tools and treatment methods includes steroid injections of the SI joint.
What are SI Joint Injections?
SI joint injections utilize steroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected directly into the SI joint to eliminate pain. These injections are usually administered in a hospital or clinic setter under live, X-ray guidance. However, SI joint injections are only a temporary solution, lasting a few days or weeks before wearing off.
Additionally, the number of injections a person can have is limited because steroids can weaken the joint’s bones and tendons. Therefore, most health plans will only authorize a limited number per year.
What If Joint Injections Worked But Wore Off?
If your provider administered SI joint injections, you might have experienced temporary relief as a result. Unfortunately, SI joint injections are not intended to be a permanent solution in many cases. If you received 75% or more pain relief as a result of your SI joint injections, then it may be an indicator that you have sacroiliitis and may qualify for PainTEQ’s minimally invasive LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System.
What If Joint Injections Never Worked?
Not experiencing any relief from an SI joint injection does not confirm or deny an SI joint dysfunction diagnosis. Your provider will likely administer a variety of tests before coming to a conclusion and recommending a treatment plan.
Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction
- Dull low back pain on one side
- Sciatica-like symptoms, including leg pain, burning, numbness and tingling
- Mild to moderate ache around the dimple (low back) region of the spine
- Pain that is worse in the morning and gets better during the day
- Referred pain into the hip, groin, and occasionally down the leg
- Muscle tightness and tenderness in your hips or buttocks
- Disturbed sleep patterns and disturbed sitting patterns due to pain
- Feeling of leg instability (buckling, giving away)
SI Joint Treatment with LinQ
PainTEQ‘s minimally invasive LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System aims to treat patients with SI joint dysfunction and chronic low back pain by stabilizing the sacroiliac joints. The LinQ procedure involves placing one non-metal implant — roughly the size of an almond — into the SI joint to stabilize the dysfunctional joint. The entire procedure is done through a single, small incision on the patient’s back. Patients typically leave the hospital the same day of surgery and can resume daily activities within a few weeks.
A visit with one of PainTEQ’s trusted providers will help you determine the root cause of your low back pain and whether or not you may be a candidate for this minimally invasive procedure.
