Finding Relief Where It Hurts Most: How Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Can Restore Your Quality of Life
If you've been living with persistent lower back or pelvic pain that radiates into your hips or thighs, the source of your discomfort might not be your spine—it could be your sacroiliac (SI) joint. At the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain (CINP), led by Dr. Rock, we specialize in cutting-edge procedures like sacroiliac joint fusion to help patients regain mobility and find lasting relief.
What is the Sacroiliac Joint?
You have two sacroiliac joints, one on each side of your lower back, connecting the sacrum (the base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints support the weight of your upper body and absorb shock between the spine and legs. When these joints become inflamed or unstable due to injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or degeneration, it can lead to intense pain, a condition known as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
When Is Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Recommended?
Patients who undergo sacroiliac joint fusion often try multiple forms of conservative sacroiliac joint pain treatment first—such as physical therapy, medications, joint injections, or bracing. But when these methods fail and pain continues to interfere with walking, sitting, or even sleeping, an SI joint fusion procedure may offer the best solution.
At CINP, we take a patient-first approach. Diagnosis includes a physical exam with movement-based “provocative tests,” imaging, and sometimes diagnostic injections to confirm the SI joint as the pain source.
The Minimally Invasive Advantage
Dr. Rock and the CINP team offer a minimally invasive spine surgery approach right here in Chicago. The procedure is performed through a small incision near the buttocks using advanced imaging for precision. Specialized implants are inserted to stabilize the joint and allow it to heal naturally, reducing movement and minimizing inflammation.
This technique avoids large incisions, minimizes muscle damage, and reduces recovery time significantly compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity within a few weeks.
What Makes CINP Different?
Our expertise in pain management and minimally invasive spine surgery in Chicago allows us to offer treatment options that aren’t widely available elsewhere. Dr. Rock is not only a skilled surgeon but also a leading researcher who has participated in pivotal clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of sacroiliac joint fusion.
In fact, a CINP clinical study showed that patients who underwent SI joint fusion procedures had significantly greater improvements in both pain and function at six months compared to those who pursued nonsurgical treatments.
Benefits of SI Joint Fusion at CINP
Long-term pain relief
Improved mobility and daily function
Shorter recovery time
Minimal scarring and tissue disruption
Personalized recovery and physical therapy plans
Access to leading pain management specialists in Chicago
Recovery and What to Expect
After surgery, patients typically use a back brace and follow a customized recovery plan. Most can return to desk jobs or light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take 6–12 weeks, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors. Our team is there with you every step, from post-op care to long-term rehabilitation.
Don’t Live With Debilitating Back Pain
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often misdiagnosed, leading many to suffer unnecessarily. If your back, hip, or pelvic pain isn’t improving with conservative care, it may be time to consult a specialist.
At the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, we’re committed to finding the root of your pain and delivering results with compassion, innovation, and expertise.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rock today and explore how sacroiliac joint fusion could help you take back your life.