Leg pain

[Chipster0812]

My wife is going to have a SI injection monday. Has anyone had the same prosedure done, and did it help? She has horrible pain in her legs, and I know how she feels. I had to have a lumbar fusion because of mine, I wanted to shoot myself! But, I think her's is in her hip instead of her back. I just feel so sorry for her. She just needs some relief!!!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Chipster,

Welcome to our Pain Management Community. I am very glad that you found us and took the time to share with us your girlfriend painful issues.

Yes I have had SI Joint injections. I have had two injections in my right SIJ and one in my left SIJ. I am sorry to tell you that I obtained very little short term relief. The first one reduced my pain for about 5 - 7 days. The second one was even less time.

SIJ injections are very controversial. It use to be that this was the treatment of choice when PT and less invasive approaches were not successful. However now there are numerous reliable studies that indicate they are not effective. Indeed some insurance companies have discontinued covering these procedures. The studies claim that benefits are few ands so short term that the cost is not justified. Obviously most of the physicians that continue to perform this procedure will vehemently deny or disagree with the results of those studies.....as will the patients that have obtained some relief with the injections.

If she is having an SIJ injection I assume her medical issue is not in her hip....though some of her pain may radiate into the hip. SIJ injections are normally performed when a person has SI Joint Dysfunction (SIJD).

I wish your girlfriend the very best. I have SIJD and can attest to the fact that if she has the same it is extremely painful and can be life altering. She is very fortunate to have your understanding and support. I am sure she knows how wonderful you are.

Please let us know how she does. I will be interested to hear how effective the injections are for her. I sincerely hope that her pain will be greatly reduced. I'll look forward to hearing from you again.

Best of Luck to You Both,
~Tuck

[squirtatious]

I've had two or three different kinds of lumbar spinal injections. First one took a week to feel its effects, second one only worked on part of my leg pain however I was greatful for ANY kind of relief. I think there're worth it from my own experience!! I hope ur wife can get some relief!!