Concerns About Potential Nerve Injury from SI Injection
I'm a 22-year-old weighing 250 pounds and have been struggling with persistent back pain for roughly nine months. In an effort to identify the cause of my discomfort, my physician suggested that I receive a sacroiliac (SI) injection. However, five days post-injection and I have experienced no relief. Instead, I'm facing severe burning sensations in my leg and numbness in my toes, making my situation unbearable. Could it be possible that I've sustained a nerve injury or something similar? Currently, I'm enduring excruciating pain on the entire right side of my body, particularly in the areas on both the front and back of my thigh and leg where the injection was administered. I'm completely at a standstill and unable to find any solace, as sleep eludes me completely.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 7:20:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such intense pain and discomfort after your sacroiliac injection. It's understandable to be concerned, especially given the new symptoms you're facing. Here’s a brief overview of the situation followed by actionable steps you can take.
Main Points
After your SI injection, it's concerning that you are experiencing severe burning sensations, numbness, and increased pain, particularly on the right side of your body. While some discomfort can occur after such procedures, your current symptoms could suggest irritation or injury to nerves in the area.
Explanation
The sacroiliac joint injection is meant to provide pain relief by delivering medication directly into the joint space, but sometimes irritation or inflammation can occur around nearby nerves, which may lead to sensations like burning or numbness. This could happen if the needle inadvertently affected a nerve or if the injection led to inflammation.
Immediate Next Steps
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Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting the type, location, and severity of the pain, as well as any changes in sensations. This information will be essential if further medical evaluation is needed.
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Apply Heat or Cold:
- Use a heating pad or a cold pack on the painful areas. Heat can help relax the muscles around the joint, while cold reduces inflammation. Alternate between the two to see which provides more relief.
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Limit Activity:
- Avoid strenuous activities or positions that exacerbate your pain. Rest as much as possible, especially during the initial recovery period after the injection.
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Ask About Medication Options:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate some of the discomfort. Check with a pharmacist to ensure any medications you consider are safe for your situation, especially considering your pain levels.
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Follow Up:
- It's crucial to contact your physician about these new symptoms as soon as possible. You should discuss the possibility of nerve involvement and consider additional diagnostic tests or treatments. Mention that your current pain is severe and affecting your sleep.
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Seek Immediate Care if Necessary:
- If you experience any worsening of symptoms, such as increased weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe systemic symptoms (like fever or increased swelling), seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, your health and comfort are the top priorities, so don't hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve better relief from this pain, and I hope you find some comfort soon.
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