Overview
The sacroiliac joints sit at the base of the spine and help transfer load between the upper body and the legs. Irritation or inflammation of these joints may cause pain felt in the lower back buttocks groin hips or thighs. Symptoms often worsen with standing walking climbing stairs or prolonged sitting.
Sacroiliac joint pain can be difficult to diagnose because it may mimic disc or facet joint pain. Diagnostic sacroiliac joint blocks help confirm whether the joint is the primary source of symptoms. If a diagnostic block provides meaningful but temporary relief radiofrequency ablation may be considered to achieve longer lasting pain control.
Who This Treatment Helps
Sacroiliac joint block or ablation may be considered for people with
• Persistent low back or buttock pain suspected to originate from the sacroiliac joint
• Pain that worsens with standing walking or climbing stairs
• Pelvic or lower back pain following pregnancy
• Pain related to degenerative joint changes
• Discomfort following trauma or altered pelvic mechanics
• Limited improvement with physiotherapy medication or manual therapy
• Positive clinical examination suggesting sacroiliac joint involvement
A consultation is required to confirm suitability.
What Is a Sacroiliac Joint Block or Ablation
A sacroiliac joint block involves injecting local anaesthetic sometimes combined with steroid medication into or around the joint. This aims to reduce inflammation and pain and also serves as a diagnostic tool. If pain improves following the injection it suggests the sacroiliac joint is a significant contributor.
If relief is temporary radiofrequency ablation may be recommended. Ablation uses controlled heat to interrupt the small sensory nerves supplying the joint. These nerves do not control movement or strength so stability is preserved.
Both procedures are performed using imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your consultant reviews symptoms examination findings and imaging
You lie comfortably on the procedure table
Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin
Imaging guidance is used to position the needle accurately
Diagnostic injection is performed
If proceeding to ablation specialised probes are positioned near the sensory nerves
You are monitored briefly before going home
The procedure is usually completed as a day case.
After the Procedure
After a diagnostic block you may notice
• Immediate pain relief from the local anaesthetic
• Temporary numbness or lightness around the joint
• Mild soreness at the injection site
After ablation it is normal to experience
• Local tenderness for several days
• Gradual improvement over two to six weeks
• Occasional short term flare ups
Your consultant may recommend
• Avoiding strenuous activity for a short period
• Continuing physiotherapy to improve pelvic stability
• Gradual return to normal activities
• Monitoring response and keeping a symptom diary
Benefits
• Helps confirm whether the sacroiliac joint is the pain source
• Can reduce inflammation and joint related pain
• Minimally invasive with short recovery time
• Radiofrequency ablation may provide longer lasting relief
• Supports improved mobility and participation in rehabilitation
• May reduce reliance on pain medication
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Possible risks include
• Temporary increase in pain
• Local bruising or soreness
• Temporary numbness
• Infection rare
• Bleeding
• Allergic reaction to medication
• Very rare nerve irritation
All risks are discussed during consultation.
When to Consider Other Options
If symptoms do not improve your consultant may discuss
Facet joint treatments
Physiotherapy or pelvic stabilisation programmes
Medication optimisation
Alternative minimally invasive procedures
Combined treatment approaches
Safety Note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication have diabetes allergies are pregnant or have an active infection. You may need someone to accompany you home depending on medications used.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether sacroiliac joint block or ablation may be appropriate for managing your low back or pelvic pain.