SI Joint, Piriformis, Bursa, Trigger Point Injections

SI Joint Blocks are steroid injections into the sacroiliac joints (SI joint) to diagnose and help treat pain emanating from the SI joint (SI joint dysfunction and or arthritis).

Trigger points are tight knots of muscle that form when muscle fails to relax. Trigger Point Injections consisting of local anesthetic and steroid are commonly performed to treat these painful areas. These are used when other methods such as massage therapy and or physical therapy fail to improve symptoms. 

Piriformis Blocks are local injections into the piriformis muscle to help decrease spasm and tightness thought to cause the Piriformis Syndrome. This can cause buttocks and sciatic type pain.

Bursae Injections can be performed for bursitis. The most common areas aided with injections under fluoroscopic guidance are trochanteric (hip), ischial (sits bone) and occasionally knee or coccyx. 

Preparing for SI joint, Piriformis, Bursa or Trigger Point injections:

• A representative will contact you prior to your appointment to review your medications and complete registration.
• Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking an anticoagulant (Aspirin, Lovenox, Plavix, Heparin or Coumadin). You MAY be asked to stop this medication 5 days prior to your procedure. You may resume your medication the day after your procedure.
• You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home.
• Nothing to eat or drink 2 hours prior to the procedure time.
• The procedure requires an injection with contrast dye, local anesthetic and steroid. If you have an allergy to any of these medications please notify our representative, scheduler, or nurse as soon as possible.
• You may experience some soreness at your injection site for up to 24 hours. This can be managed with over the counter anagelics such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Cold ice packs for 3-4 times daily for several days are also effective. You may take your own pain medication as needed if it is already prescribed by your referring physician.
• You can return to light activity the day of your procedure and avoid strenuous activity or physical therapy for the next 3 days.

If you develop fever or severe pain contact our office at 352-333-7847 (7VIP) or call your referring physician. After hours or on weekends, go to the nearest emergency room or call North Florida Regional Medical Center at 352-333-4000 and ask for the Radiologist on call.