Sacroiliac Joint Injections

What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection?

A sacroiliac joint injection, also known as an SI joint injection or SI joint steroid injection, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat sacroiliac joint pain caused by inflammation, instability, or dysfunction within the SI joints.

Dr. Edward Shen is a Harvard-educated, double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and serves as Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. He performs sacroiliac joint injections using live image guidance (fluoroscopy and ultrasound) so the medication reaches the exact joint causing your pain with precision and safety.

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain in New Jersey

Sacroiliac joint pain occurs when one or both SI joints become inflamed, unstable, or restricted in movement. SI joint dysfunction is a common but often overlooked cause of chronic lower back pain and pelvic discomfort.

Since SI joint pain can mimic conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, or lumbar spine problems, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Common Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction

Several conditions and injuries may contribute to sacroiliac joint pain, including:

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
• Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
• Trauma or falls
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Uneven leg length
• Previous lumbar fusion surgery
• Poor posture or gait abnormalities
• Age-related wear and tear

Inflammation or abnormal motion within the SI joint can create chronic irritation and persistent pain if left untreated.

Symptoms of SI Joint Pain

SI joint dysfunction symptoms may range from mild discomfort to severe chronic pain. Common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain near the pelvis
• Pain in the buttocks or hips
• Pain radiating into the groin or upper legs
• Pain that worsens when standing, walking, or climbing stairs
• Discomfort when sitting for extended periods
• Stiffness in the lower back or pelvis
• Difficulty transitioning from sitting to standing
• Pain when twisting or bending
• Feeling of instability in the pelvis

Patients with chronic SI joint pain often notice that symptoms worsen after prolonged activity or uneven weight-bearing movements.

Conditions Treated with SI Joint Injections

Sacroiliac joint injections may help patients suffering from:

• SI joint dysfunction
• Chronic SI joint pain
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Inflammatory joint conditions
• Sacroiliitis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Pain after pregnancy
• Post-traumatic pelvic pain
• Pain following spinal surgery
• Arthritis-related SI joint inflammation

Patients experiencing chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatment may benefit from targeted SI joint pain treatment.

Benefits of SI Joint Injections

SI joint injections provide a non-surgical option for relieving chronic joint pain and inflammation.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation and swelling
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Relief from chronic lower back and pelvic pain
• Improved ability to sit, stand, and walk comfortably
• Enhanced participation in physical therapy
• Diagnostic confirmation of SI joint dysfunction
• Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
• Reduced dependence on oral pain medication
• Improved overall quality of life

Many patients experience meaningful pain relief within several days following treatment.

Orthopedic Care for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac joint injections are part of the orthopedic and interventional pain care offered at Spine and Pain Specialty Care. Because SI joint pain can mimic disc or sciatic problems, Dr. Shen uses live image guidance to target the precise joint causing your pain, both confirming the source of your discomfort and reducing inflammation in a single, accurate procedure performed in our dedicated in-office procedure suite.

When is Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment Recommended?

SI joint pain treatment may be recommended when symptoms persist despite conservative care such as:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic treatment
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Home exercise programs
• Heat and ice therapy

For patients with ongoing pain that limits mobility and daily function, an SI joint injection may provide significant relief while helping identify the exact source of discomfort.

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Espanol – our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Schedule a Consultation for Sacroiliac Joint Injections

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, Dr. Edward Shen provides personalized, minimally invasive treatments for patients suffering from sacroiliac joint pain and chronic lower back discomfort. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases.

If you are struggling with chronic lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, or symptoms of SI joint dysfunction, a sacroiliac joint injection may help relieve your pain and restore mobility.

Contact Spine and Pain Specialty Care today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edward Shen. Dial (908) 818-1600 to learn whether SI joint pain treatment is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis – including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging – and treatment in a single visit, so you can start getting relief without waiting.

Is an SI joint injection diagnostic, treatment, or both?

Both. Because the injection targets the SI joint specifically, the relief you feel afterward helps confirm the joint is the source of your pain, while the anti-inflammatory medication treats the inflammation at the same time.

How long does relief from an SI joint injection last?

Relief is individual. The goal is to resolve the inflammation behind your pain, not just quiet it temporarily. Many patients experience lasting relief, and the injection can be safely repeated if needed.

How do I know if my pain is coming from the SI joint?

SI joint pain often centers near the pelvis and buttock and worsens with standing, walking, climbing stairs, or shifting weight to one side. Because it can mimic disc or sciatic pain, Dr. Shen reviews your symptoms and imaging to determine whether an SI joint injection is the right next step.

Do you treat SI joint pain from a car accident or work injury?

Yes. Dr. Shen regularly treats lower back and pelvic injuries from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation, handling the documentation these claims require.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: SI joint dysfunction, sacroiliitis, chronic lower back and pelvic pain, degenerative joint disease, and post-traumatic pelvic pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol)
Phone: (908) 818-1600