Patient service
Hope for SI joint problems
Pain-free through sclerotherapy
Only the correct diagnosis leads to the
successful treatment.
HOPE FOR SIJ PROBLEMS: PAIN-FREE THROUGH SCALE CLOSURE
This joint, also known as the sacroiliac joint or SI joint for short, is located in the pelvic region and is formed by the iliac bone and the sacrum, the extension of the spine. It must absorb all forces acting on the pelvis. The joint is held together by strong ligaments and is subject only to passive movements. However, these ligaments can loosen due to age, stress, and wear and tear. When this happens, the joint surfaces rub against each other, irritating the nerve fibers running through them. This leads to inflammation and pain that can radiate and become chronic.
Unfortunately, damage to the sacroiliac joint cannot be detected on X-rays or MRI scans. Therefore, the doctor performs various movement and pressure tests and injects a local anesthetic directly into the sacroiliac joint. If the patient feels significantly better as a result, this joint is most likely the source of the pain.
In cases of chronic pain in this joint, sclerotherapy of the pain-conducting nerve fibers using targeted heat impulses can help.
The Munich East Spine Center has some of the most experience in this area.
NEUROSURGERY
Poor posture, excess weight, and prolonged standing, sitting, or lying down can lead to overloading of the sacroiliac joint (SI joint). The joint surfaces then rub against each other more frequently. This, in turn, irritates the nerve fibers running through the area, leading to inflammation and pain that can radiate down the leg and cause limping.
Deep-seated lower back pain often occurs, especially in the morning after getting up or after prolonged periods of rest or sitting. It can radiate down to the foot and is frequently misinterpreted as spinal damage.
Sleep problems are also typical. Many patients complain that they wake up in pain every time they turn over in bed.
Furthermore, sacroiliac joint pain can often occur later after spinal fusion surgery.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SIJ DISCOMFORT?
However, if the suspicion of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is confirmed, the doctor will first prescribe pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as physiotherapy. Injections are also used if necessary. This helps in about half of all cases.
If no significant improvement occurs after three months, Dr. Ismail can ablate the pain-conducting nerve fibers at the joint using radiofrequency waves. He now has extensive experience with this therapy.
Using a very thin cannula and under X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a water-cooled radiofrequency probe directly into the sacroiliac joint in the pelvic region. The patient receives light anesthesia for this procedure.
The doctor then uses cooled radiofrequency waves to block not the nerves themselves, but only the hair-thin pain-conducting nerve fibers. Because the probe is water-cooled from the inside, the radio waves, which are actually hot, do not damage the surrounding tissue. They interrupt the transmission of pain signals within the nerve, and the patients become pain-free.
Depending on the findings, the gentle procedure can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
CONTACT
If you would like more information about our practice or a free consultation, please contact us!
We look forward to your inquiry!
You can also book an appointment online:
MUNICH EAST
MUNICH STREET 14
85540 Munich Haar
