Motionis

SI Joint Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain originates from the joints that connect the base of the spine to the pelvis and play a key role in load transfer and stability. Because SI joint pain can closely resemble other causes of low back or hip pain, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, SI joint pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine and joint care.

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What Is SI Joint Pain?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are located on each side of the lower spine, where the sacrum meets the pelvis. These joints help absorb forces between the upper body and legs. SI joint pain occurs when one or both joints become inflamed, irritated, or mechanically unstable.

Because SI joint pain can mimic disc-related or facet-mediated back pain, careful evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Common SI Joint Pain Symptoms

Symptoms may vary but commonly include:

SI joint pain typically does not cause true nerve symptoms such as numbness or weakness unless other structures are involved.

Pain in the lower back, buttock, or hip region

Pain that may radiate into the groin or upper thigh

Discomfort worsened by standing, walking, or climbing stairs

Pain with prolonged sitting or changing positions

Stiffness or a sense of instability in the pelvis

Common Causes of SI Joint Pain We Evaluate

SI joint pain can develop due to several factors, including:

Degenerative changes of the SI joint

Trauma or injury to the pelvis or lower back

Pregnancy-related ligament laxity or postpartum changes

Altered biomechanics from prior spine surgery

Leg length discrepancies or gait abnormalities

Inflammatory conditions affecting the joints

Identifying the underlying cause helps guide appropriate treatment.

How SI Joint Pain Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on determining whether the SI joint is the primary source of pain. A physician-led assessment may include:

Detailed clinical history and physical examination

Provocative manoeuvres to assess SI joint involvement

Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available

Image-guided diagnostic SI joint injections to confirm the pain source

Diagnostic injections are particularly important because imaging alone often cannot definitively identify SI joint pain.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain

Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:

Image-guided SI joint injections

Epidural steroid injections when other pain generators coexist

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting SI joint–related nerves, when appropriate

Trigger point injections for associated muscle spasm

Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning

Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate

All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a comprehensive care plan.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

Lower back or buttock pain persists despite therapy

Pain worsens with standing, walking, or transitional movements

Imaging does not clearly explain symptoms

Physical therapy or medications have not provided relief

Surgery has been suggested, but non-surgical options are desired

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether the SI joint is contributing to your pain and outline appropriate next steps.

Schedule an SI Joint Pain Evaluation

If SI joint pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.