Welcome to Pain & Spine Institute, your go-to for managing and treating lower back pain through our specialized services, including sacroiliac joint injections in Joliet, IL. We know how much lower back pain can impact your daily life and overall well-being. We want to help you live a pain-free, active life through comprehensive, personalized care.

What is Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can come from various spine conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sacroiliac joint pain. A herniated disc in the neck or lower back can put pressure on nearby nerve roots, causing localized back pain and various nerve-related symptoms depending on where the herniation is in the spine. Occipital neuralgia is also part of the list of pain conditions we treat. The lumbar spine, which carries the majority of the body’s weight, is prone to strain and injury. Intervertebral discs, which are the shock absorbers of the spine, can become damaged or herniated and cause significant pain and discomfort. At Pain & Spine Institute, we stress the importance of a thorough medical history and physical exam to diagnose the underlying cause of lower back pain.

What is the Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joint is part of your spine that connects the sacrum and ilium bones. It acts as a shock absorber and weight distributor in your body. When this joint becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause significant pain that radiates to the lower back, buttocks, and even legs. Not only do you need to repair the damaged area, but you also need to strengthen it to prevent future injuries. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to managing sacroiliac joint pain. Our pain doctors and spine specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating this condition with various techniques, including physical therapy and injections.

What causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac joint pain is a common condition that affects many people, causing discomfort and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks. The sacroiliac joint, also known as the SI joint, is a complex joint that connects the sacrum and ilium bones in the pelvis. There are several causes of sacroiliac joint pain:

Inflammation: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks. This inflammation can come from various factors, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Trauma: A sudden injury such as a fall or a car accident can cause sacroiliac joint pain. Trauma can cause joint misalignment or damage and can be very uncomfortable.
Degenerative Changes: Over time, wear and tear on the sacroiliac joint can cause degenerative changes. These changes can cause pain and stiffness, especially in older adults or those with a history of heavy physical activity.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the ligaments in the sacroiliac joint to relax and cause pain and instability. This condition is common and can be managed with proper care.
Infection: In rare cases, an infection in the sacroiliac joint can cause pain and inflammation. This condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.

Knowing the underlying cause of sacroiliac joint pain is key to creating a treatment plan. At Pain & Spine Institute, our pain specialists will identify the source of your pain and provide personalized care to relieve you.

How is Sacroiliac Joint Pain Diagnosed

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain involves a thorough assessment, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs. Our pain specialists may also use diagnostic injections to confirm sacroiliac joint pain. During a physical exam, we look for signs such as tenderness, limited mobility, or muscle weakness in the affected area. An accurate diagnosis is key to creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

A sacroiliac joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure where a corticosteroid or pain reliever is injected into the affected joint. Physical medicine plays a big role in providing assessments and treatment plans for patients undergoing sacroiliac joint injections. This procedure is done under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise placement of the injection. The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility in the affected area. Depending on your condition, our pain specialists may recommend a series of injections to get optimal results.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery from sacroiliac joint pain treatment varies from person to person and depends on the condition. Generally, patients can expect to follow a treatment plan that includes the following:

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles in your lower back and improve flexibility. Physical therapy is key in promoting healing and preventing future injuries.
Pain Management: A pain doctor may prescribe medication or recommend alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage to manage pain and inflammation. Effective pain management is important in improving your quality of life and recovery.
Lifestyle Changes: You may need to make lifestyle changes such as taking regular breaks to stretch and move to reduce stress on the sacroiliac joint. Making ergonomic adjustments and maintaining a healthy weight can also alleviate pressure on the joint.
Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with a spine specialist or pain doctor can help monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. These appointments are important to ensure the treatment is working and to make changes.

You need to work with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a spine surgeon or pain specialist, to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of sacroiliac joint pain. With proper treatment and care, you can get relief and improve your quality of life. At Pain & Spine Institute, we will guide you through every step of your recovery process to get you the best care.

Physical Therapy and Rehab

Physical therapy is a big part of treating sacroiliac joint pain to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. Our physical therapists use various techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities to promote healing and reduce pain. Rehab is key in restoring function and preventing future injuries. We often recommend a combination of physical therapy and injections to get the best results for our patients.

Pain Doctor in Joliet, IL

When looking for a pain doctor in Joliet, IL, you need to find a professional who has expertise in sacroiliac joint pain. Our pain specialists have years of experience and in-depth knowledge of spine conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sacroiliac joint pain. We use a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, injections, and other treatments, to provide comprehensive care. We encourage patients to research and read reviews to find a reputable clinic like Pain & Spine Institute for their treatment needs.

Call Us Now

Lower back pain with sacroiliac joint injections in Joliet, IL, requires a whole-body approach. At Pain & Spine Institute, we combine physical therapy, injections, and other treatments to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Our specialists will help you understand the sacroiliac joint and the benefits of sacroiliac joint injections. By making informed decisions about your treatment, you can get a pain-free, active life and improve your quality of life.

At Pain & Spine Institute, we will find solutions to your lower back pain. Call us today to schedule an appointment and start your pain-free life.

Call Now