In the United States, approximately 8% of all adults have persistent back pain. This pain makes it difficult to work, play sports and participate in physically demanding hobbies. If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines, help is available. You might be a candidate for sacroiliac joint injection or epidural steroid injection in Chicago. Learn more about these back pain injections and find out how they can help you return to your normal activities.

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

An epidural steroid injection delivers pain-relieving medication to the epidural space. This space, located in the spinal canal, contains nerve roots, blood vessels and fatty tissue. In some people, the nerve roots get pinched or irritated, causing chronic back pain.

How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

When you get an epidural steroid injection, a back pain specialist uses a corticosteroid or an anesthetic to relieve your pain. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, while anesthetics block pain signals. This type of injection is ideal if you have back pain caused by pinched or irritated nerve roots in your epidural space.

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Injections for Lower Back and Pelvic Pain

The sacroiliac joints are where your hip bones attach to your sacrum, a triangular bone between the spine and coccyx (tailbone). Sacroiliitis, or inflammation of the SI joint, typically develops due to arthritis, infection or another underlying condition. This condition causes pain in the buttocks, hips and lower back, making it difficult to climb stairs or move from a seated position to a standing one.

It’s also possible to develop generalized SI joint pain, which isn’t always the result of inflammation. For example, some women develop SI joint pain during pregnancy. SI joint pain can also be caused by trauma, repetitive stress and sports injuries.

You might be a candidate for sacroiliac joint injection if your back pain is the result of a problem with your SI joints. This type of back pain injection is similar to an epidural injection, as it involves delivering a steroid and an anesthetic directly into the painful area. This reduces pain and makes it easier to perform your normal activities.

Key Differences Between Epidural and Sacroiliac Joint Injections

One of the main differences between epidural and sacroiliac joint injections is the location. During an epidural injection, a back pain specialist injects medication into the epidural space of your spinal canal. In contrast, sacroiliac joint injections deliver pain-relieving medications directly to the SI joint.

Another difference is the conditions treated with each injection. Epidural injections are ideal for conditions that irritate the nerve roots in the epidural space. These conditions include sciatica, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy and herniated disk. SI joint injections are typically reserved for people with sacroiliitis, arthritis, abnormal gait patterns and other problems that contribute to SI joint pain.

Both injections have similar outcomes. The anesthetic component blocks pain signals, bringing quick relief, while the steroid component reduces inflammation. This can help you improve your quality of life.

Which Injection Is Better for Your Type of Back Pain?

Irritated nerve roots in the epidural space typically cause pain, tingling, muscle weakness and numbness. You may benefit from an epidural steroid injection if you have one or more of these symptoms. SI joint injections are a better fit for anyone experiencing persistent pain in the hips, buttocks or lower back.

What to Expect During and After Each Procedure

Your doctor may advise you not to eat or drink for several hours before receiving an epidural steroid injection. It’s also important to let a back pain specialist know if you’re taking any medications or supplements. You may have to stop taking them a few days before the procedure. When it’s time for your injection, you can expect the following:

• You’ll lie on your stomach.
• One of the staff members in the room will take an X-ray to help your back pain specialist determine where to place the needle.
• A back pain specialist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the injection site.
• The specialist inserts the needle and injects contrast dye to make sure it’s in the correct position.
• Steroid medication flows into the epidural space.

After the injection, your medical team will monitor you carefully. Although you can usually go home the same day, it’s important to avoid driving and strenuous activities.

The procedure for an SI joint injection is exactly the same, except the medication goes into the SI joint instead of the epidural space. No matter which type of injection you receive, you should arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

Talk to a Back Pain Specialist in Chicago at MAPS Centers for Pain Control

If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain, a Chicago back pain doctor can help you get your life back. MAPS Centers for Pain Control specializes in treating pain with care and compassion. Schedule a consultation today to find out if you’re a candidate for epidural or SI joint injections.