Remedies For Sacroiliitis

Radiofrequency Denervation

Radiofrequency denervation is also known as radiofrequency ablation or radiofrequency neurotomy. This treatment is recommended when pain can be attributed to the joints. In addition, it is recommended when other treatments, such as steroid treatment, are only offering temporary relief. A radiofrequency procedure is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly thirty minutes to administer. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is used to cut off the nerve supply to the painful joint using thermal denervation. Before the procedure, the patient will be placed under local anesthesia and light intravenous sedation. A medical practitioner will then use x-ray to guide them to the nerves leading to the inflamed joint. Once the specific joint is located, a heat lesion is generated to kill off the nerve.

TNF Inhibitors

TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a protein the body’s immune system produces. Certain conditions including arthritis can cause an overproduction of TNF. This excess protein is what causes the inflammation. If patients have sacroiliitis from a form of spondyloarthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis, TNF inhibitors may be helpful. This class of drug work targets a substance called tumor necrosis that causes inflammation. As with any other medication, this one can be very effective in one patient and less effective on another patient. Doctors will monitor its effectiveness and advice on a different course of treatment if this method proves ineffective. If patients experience side effects, it is important for them to discuss them with a doctor. In most cases, however, the benefits will outweigh the risks.