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Treatments for sacroiliac joint degeneration (SI joint pain) are typically focused on relieving pain and restoring motion in the joint. Initial treatments for SI joint pain can usually be quite successful on their own or may be combined for the most effective pain relief. These non-surgical interventions include:

Getting adequate rest
Heat or ice therapy
Pain medication
Manual manipulation
Wearing a pelvic brace

While there is no blanket approach to treating everyone who lives with SI joint pain, a sequence of trial and error can often determine which treatment method will be most effective for your specific symptoms. If non-invasive treatment methods do not provide relief, talk to your doctor and find out if a minimally-invasive treatment solution can better address your condition.

What Causes SI Joint Pain?

Individuals with SI joint pain may experience sharp and sudden pain that begins at the hips and pelvis, works its way up the lower back and down through the thighs. On occasion, you may also feel numbness or tingling in these areas or feel as though your legs want to give way when you are standing or walking. Sacroiliac joint degeneration or pain, is commonly caused by the inflammation of one or both of your SI joints as a result of certain conditions such as:

Arthritis
Gout
Injury
Pregnancy
Abnormal walking patterns

Treatment Solutions for Sacroiliac Joint Degeneration and Its Symptoms

Fortunately, for those who require a more targeted approach to relieving the symptoms of SI joint pain, Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic specializes in a number of minimally-invasive treatment options including:

Sacroiliac Joint Injection: The affected area is numbed before the injection is performed. With the help of an x-ray for accuracy, contrast material is injected into the joint to ensure that the medication will be properly distributed. Then, a corticosteroid injection is administered to relieve your pain.
Percutaneous (Lateral) Approach: The procedure is performed using a percutaneous endoscopic approach, or from the side of the body through a small hole. Cages and screws are inserted to help fuse the bone together which can help reduce the symptoms of SI joint pain.
Posterior (Open) Approach: For this approach, a small incision is made above the buttocks and just below the waist. Depending on which SI joint requires treatment, the incision can be made on either the left or right side of the spine. Using a specialized set of surgical tools, a bone graft is inserted to promote bone growth, stability and fusion.
Sacroiliac Joint Rhizotomy: During this procedure, patients will either lay on their side or stomach depending on the easiest way to access the affected area. The treatment area is cleaned and a local anesthetic will be administered. Using fluoroscopy, a method utilized to create images, your physician will pass a needle into the SI joint. Then, a temperature-monitored electrode will be moved into the joint where it will destabilize sensory nerves, thereby relieving pain.

At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, we don’t cut corners when it comes to your health. Instead, we take the time that is necessary to perform a thorough review of your medical history, imaging results and diagnostic tests, in order to determine the best treatment solution for your specific condition. Dr. Lewis, is a leading specialist in treating SI joint pain and throughout his 30-year career, has adopted some of the most unique and innovative approaches to spine surgery seen in the country to date.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment services for SI joint pain or to schedule a consultation. We’ll find the right solution that works for you. Call us at (601) 366-1011.