• Expert SI Joint Pain Treatment in Upstate, NY

    Struggling with SI joint dysfunction or lower back pain? At Neurosciences And Spine Group, we specialize in evidence-based sacroiliac joint treatments backed by years of clinical experience and a personalized approach to your care.

     

    Understanding the SI Joint: A Small Joint, A Big Impact

    At the base of your spine, where the sacrum meets the pelvis, sit two tiny joints one on each side. They don’t move much. In fact, they’re designed not to. But when something goes wrong through injury, inflammation, arthritis, or even pregnancy, the sacroiliac (SI) joint can become a surprising source of debilitating pain. Studies suggest that up to 25% of all lower back pain may be traced to the SI joint. Yet it often goes undiagnosed.

     

    Common Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

    You may notice:

    • Deep aching in the lower back, buttocks, or hips
    • Pain that worsens when standing or climbing stairs
    • Discomfort after sitting for long periods
    • A feeling of instability or stiffness in the lower back or pelvis

    Pain doesn’t always behave like we expect it to. That’s why we listen carefully, not just to symptoms, but to stories.

     

    A Thoughtful Diagnostic Approach

    Diagnosing SI joint pain is complex. It often mimics other conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or hip arthritis. At Neurosciences And Spine Group, our multidisciplinary team, including physicians, physiatrists, and physical therapists, performs a detailed evaluation under the guidance of Dr. Sethi, one of New York’s most experienced brain and spine surgeons. 

    We approach diagnosis thoughtfully, using: 

    • Physical examination with specific provocation tests (e.g., Gaenslen’s, FABER)
    • Imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, when necessary
    • Image-guided diagnostic injection, a targeted numbing shot into the SI joint—if pain temporarily disappears, we have confirmation

    This careful process ensures we treat the right problem.

     

    Treatment That Fits Your Life, Not Just Your Diagnosis

    No two patients experience SI joint pain the same way. That's why our treatment plans are personalized, starting with the least invasive options and scaling only when needed.

     

    Conservative Treatment Options:

    • Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to stabilize the SI joint and strengthen surrounding muscles.
    • Medication Management: Use of anti-inflammatory drugs or short-term pain relievers to reduce discomfort.
    • Supportive Measures: Wearing SI joint belts or braces to relieve pressure and support movement.
    • Activity Modifications: Simple lifestyle changes to avoid triggers and prevent pain flare-ups.

     

    Image-Guided Injections:

    When conservative treatments fail to bring lasting relief, we often turn to corticosteroid injections. The procedure is brief, but the decision to proceed is rarely taken lightly. Using real-time imaging like fluoroscopy or ultrasound, we guide the medication precisely into the SI joint. 

    For many patients, this step becomes a turning point not just because it eases inflammation, but because it helps confirm that we’re treating the true source of the pain.

     

    Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion

    For rare cases where pain becomes chronic and disabling, your surgeon may consider other options, including the minimally invasive iFuse procedure. For chronic lower back pain caused by sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, the iFuse TORQ® procedure offers an effective, minimally invasive treatment option. This advanced SI joint fusion technique uses typically three 3D-printed, threaded titanium implants to stabilize the SI joint, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Performed through a small, one-inch incision, the procedure takes about an hour and is designed to promote rapid recovery. The iFuseTORQ implants are engineered for optimalosseointegration, allowing bone to grow and bond securely along the implant, leading to long-term joint stability and relief from SI joint-related back pain.

     

    Why Choose Neurosciences Group

    We are more than a neurology practice. We are a collaborative team of specialists dedicated to whole-patient care. When you choose us for SI joint pain treatment, you benefit from:

    • Integrated care from neurology, physical medicine, pain management, and therapy teams
    • Up-to-date, evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs
    • Multiple Upstate New York locations for convenient access
    • Advanced imaging and interventional procedures under one roof
    • Compassionate providers who truly listen

     

    Dr. Khalid Sethi is trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, including use of the iFuse Implant System® from SI-BONE®, a medical device company pioneering MIS sacroiliac (SI) joint treatment. The iFuse Implant System is intended for SI joint fusion for some causes of SI joint pain. SI joint treatment using the patented triangular design of the iFuse implant has been clinically evaluated more than any other SI joint fusion procedure. More than 100, peer-reviewed publications demonstrate the safety, durable effectiveness, and biomechanical and economic benefits of the iFuse implant (www.si-bone.com/results)  The iFuse implant is the only SI joint fusion device with clinical studies, including two randomized controlled trials demonstrating that treatment improved pain, patient function, and quality of life. As with any minimally invasive surgical procedures, there are potential risks associated with the iFuse Implant System. It may not be appropriate for all patients and all patients may not benefit. For information about the risks, visit www.si-bone.com/risks

    At Neurosciences And Spine Group, we’re not just treating pain. We’re restoring movement, independence, and dignity.

     

    Start Your Recovery Today

    Schedule an evaluation at Neurosciences And Spine Group and take the first step toward recovery.