With the help fluoroscopy (special x-ray imaging), Dr. Morchower injects a local anesthetic into the suspected SI joint. If the pain is relieved with the injection, the diagnosis of sacroiliac dysfunction is confirmed. Once confirmed, a corticosteroid medication is injected to help alleviate inflammation. Typically, a long-acting steroid is chosen to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for an extended period of time. Sacroiliac joint injections are safely performed in the outpatient setting, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, including preparation time, and are followed by a short period of monitored recovery time. General light sedation may be an option and can be discussed at your pre-injection visit. Because injecting corticosteroids into the body can interfere with the body’s own production of steroids, injections are given judiciously, usually limited to three injections in a six-month time frame, two to three weeks apart. Significant pain relief may not be achieved right after the first injection and may take a few weeks or not until after the second injection to take effect.