SI Joint Pain occurs when the joints connecting the portion of the spine below the lumbar, the sacrum, and the iliac crest of the pelvis are affected. This pain can mimic sciatica, but involves abnormal stress on the joint rather than the sciatic nerve.
Normally a fairly immobile joint, excessive strain can irritate this region of the spine causing paint. x-rays will typically be taken to rule out lumbar disk herniation or degeneration, and local anesthetic may both provide relief and aid in determining the cause of pain. It is typically injected by needle guided with USG or x-ray to the affected side.
SI Joint Pain occurs when the joints connecting the portion of the spine below the lumbar, the sacrum, and the iliac crest of the pelvis are affected. This pain can mimic sciatica, but involves abnormal stress on the joint rather than the sciatic nerve.
Normally a fairly immobile joint, excessive strain can irritate this region of the spine causing paint. x-rays will typically be taken to rule out lumbar disk herniation or degeneration, and local anesthetic may both provide relief and aid in determining the cause of pain. It is typically injected by needle guided with USG or x-ray to the affected side.
The first line of treatment of SI pain is typically a combination of ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the event that these fail to provide adequate relief, an injection of steroids and numbing agents will usually be performed to provide more targeted relief. Additionally, radio frequency ablation can be performed to destroy the pain sensitive fibers causing issues.
If conservative treatments fail to bring the condition to manageable levels, your doctor may recommend an SI fusion to eliminate the problematic motion. A small incision is made to access the spine, and stabilizers are placed across the joint to prevent undesirable motion. As familiarity with this condition has spread, so have the options for treatment.
The first line of treatment of SI pain is typically a combination of ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the event that these fail to provide adequate relief, an injection of steroids and numbing agents will usually be performed to provide more targeted relief. Additionally, radio frequency ablation can be performed to destroy the pain sensitive fibers causing issues.
If conservative treatments fail to bring the condition to manageable levels, your doctor may recommend an SI fusion to eliminate the problematic motion. A small incision is made to access the spine, and stabilizers are placed across the joint to prevent undesirable motion. As familiarity with this condition has spread, so have the options for treatment.
Diagnosis can usually be made on patient history and physical examination alone. Radiographs may be taken such as x-ray or CT to better visualize the structures of concern, but often are not required to make the initial diagnosis.
Diagnosis can usually be made on patient history and physical examination alone. Radiographs may be taken such as x-ray or CT to better visualize the structures of concern, but often are not required to make the initial diagnosis.
DAY OF SURGERY INFORMATION
Drive to the South parking garage. Free Valet parking is available during business hours. If you self-park, take the elevator from the garage to the first floor to enter the main hospital lobby. Wheelchairs are available if needed. Take the D elevator to the 2nd floor. Proceed to the Surgical and Endoscopy Check-In Desk. Here you and your family will be checked in and escorted to the Pre-op Area to be prepared for surgery. Up to two family members may wait with you until you are taken to surgery. Your family may then wait in the Surgical Waiting room until notified by the surgeon that the surgery has been completed. A receptionist will take down contact information so that your family may be easily reached to speak with Dr. Paul. Complimentary coffee is available for your family while in the Surgical Waiting room. The cafeteria and gift shop are on the ground floor in the North area of the hospital and the coffee shop is in the South area of the hospital for your family’s convenience.
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In the preoperative room you will be prepared for surgery. The team will be checking your vital signs, starting your IV, validating your medications, health history, lab results and any follow up for additional testing needed. At this time, they will obtain your consent for surgery and answer any questions you may still have. Your anesthesiologist will see you and your family prior to your surgery. Dr. Paul, Adam or Kevin will mark your surgical site. You will be escorted to the operating room by cart. Your family can wait in the surgical waiting room. Dr. Paul will call them when surgery is completed. If he can not reach them, he will leave a message with the Patient Liaison. Following surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will recover for an hour or more. During this time, pain and nausea control will be established and your vital signs will be monitored frequently.