A good medical history and a physical examination by a trained physician will usually clinch the diagnosis. X-rays of the back may help to detect degenerative changes in the sacroiliac joint and rule out fractures and bone tumours. Depending on the severity, MRI, CT scans or bone scans may be ordered by the physician.
Pain physicians at the Pain Management Centre can give an injection of local anaesthetic into the sacroiliac joints or relevant nerve blocks with continuous X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance. This can be a very accurate method for diagnosing sacroiliac joint disease. If the patient obtains relief, further treatment of the joint may proceed with greater confidence.
