Tests and treatments
Injections for pain in lower back and buttocks
What is it?
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium bones. Due to wear and tear (arthrosis), inflammation, surgery or an accident, the SI joint area may undergo change. This may result in pain in the lower back and buttocks. The pain may also manifest on one side only.
An SIJ infiltration involves injecting a local painkiller and an anti-inflammatory agent (cortisone) in the area near the painful joint. Cortisone reduces the inflammatory response and this will eventually cause the pain to decrease.
If you experience a clear reduction in pain but only for a brief period, denervation (radiofrequency treatment) of the sacroilial joint may be considered. This treatment involves ‘facet joint denervation‘.
Treatment procedure
Preparation
On the day of the treatment, you will come to the hospital. Please follow these rules regarding fasting:
| Type of food: | Example: | Allowed until at the latest: |
|---|---|---|
| Normal meal | midnight before the surgery or examination | |
| Light meal | e.g. a sandwich or toast with jam. Deep-fried/fatty foods or meat are not included | six hours prior to the procedure or examination |
| Dairy products | Milk, bottle-feeding for a child, yoghurt... | six hours prior to the procedure or examination |
| Breastfeeding | four hours prior to the procedure or examination | |
| Drinks | As wished: water, sugar water, sports drinks, clear fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice) Maximum a cup: clear tea and coffee without milk . | Recommended: continue to drink clear beverages up to two hours before the procedure or examination Up to six hours before the procedure: fizzy drinks (Exceptions: gastrointestinal surgery. You should follow the instructions of your attending physician). |
By law, you may not drive any vehicles or operate machinery the morning after the treatment. Therefore, make sure that somebody can take you to and from the hospital. The physician or nurses can provide you with certificates, if required. If you wish, the nurses of the Pain Centre can order a taxi for you.
Always inform the physician if:
- you have diabetes or a heart condition
- you are (or could be) pregnant
- you are allergic to certain medications, contrast agents or iodine (disinfectant), latex, etcetera
- you take blood thinners
If you have reduced kidney function, have recently experienced thrombosis or a heart attack or have had a stent implanted, you must contact your attending physician first.
Latest publication date: 28/06/2021