Piriformis Injection

Treatment Option for Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome

What is a Piriformis Injection?

A piriformis injection is performed to diagnose and relieve symptoms caused by piriformis syndrome, which is the compression of the sciatic nerve (a large nerve that runs from the lumbar spine, through the buttocks and down the back of each leg) caused by a contraction/inflammation of the piriformis muscle.

When the piriformis muscle contracts, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can result in aching, acute pain or numbness from the buttocks and down the leg. This injection uses advanced imaging to deliver anesthetic and/or steroid medication directly into the piriformis, reducing inflammation and related pain. This procedure is minimally invasive and outpatient. Most SpineOne patients achieve rapid pain relief from sciatica and piriformis syndrome using this treatment.

Discuss Piriformis Injection Treatment with a Physician

This injection procedure is performed to diagnose and relieve the pain of piriformis syndrome, an irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a contraction of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks.

Common Questions about the Piriformis Injection

This injection typically has very few risks. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and side effects you should know about and discuss with your SpineOne physician. Potential side effects are rare, but you’ll want to pay particular attention and alert SpineOne if any of these symptoms continue after 24-48 hours:

  • An increase in pain where needle was injected
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache that typically goes away within 24 hours

A piriformis injection is a non-surgical treatment option for joint pain. This therapy can be useful for providing pain relief. If you are allergic to certain medications, are on blood-thinning medication(s) or have an active infection, please inform your SpineOne physician to determine if this course of treatment is right for you.

The term “sciatica” refers to a group of symptoms rather than a single condition. The sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle, so if sciatic pain is caused by tightness or inflammation in this muscle, then this treatment option may help relieve sciatic pain.

Piriformis injections are used to apply an anesthetic and steroid medication directly into the piriformis muscle responsible for the patient’s symptoms. The benefits of this treatment include:

  • Reduction of  pain/symptoms
  • Restoration of range of motion
  • Easier movement for physical therapy