Piriformis Muscle Injection
(Non-Surgical Relief for Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatic-Like Pain)
Overview
The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttock and plays a key role in hip and leg movement. In some cases, the muscle can become irritated or tight, compressing the nearby sciatic nerve—a condition known as piriformis syndrome. This can lead to buttock pain and radiating leg symptoms similar to sciatica.
A piriformis injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication and/or local anesthetic directly into or around the muscle to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and help confirm the diagnosis.
At Restore Spine and Pain, piriformis injections are performed under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precision and safety.
Conditions Treated
- Piriformis syndrome
- Buttock pain with leg radiation
- Sciatic nerve irritation due to muscle entrapment
- Post-traumatic or postural piriformis muscle inflammation
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- Vasovagal reaction (lightheadedness or fainting)
- Allergic reaction to the medication
- Local muscle irritation
- Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
Sedation
Most cervical epidural steroid injections can be performed comfortably without sedation. However, if you have anxiety or difficulty lying flat, mild sedation may be offered at the discretion of the physician. Please discuss this with your provider in advance.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days.
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed using sterile technique under real-time imaging guidance.
What to Expect:
1. Preparation:
- You will lie face down on a procedure table.
- The skin will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic
2. Injection Process:
- A needle is guided into the piriformis muscle using image guidance..
- Contrast dye may be used to confirm positioning.
- A corticosteroid is injected to reduce inflammation.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
- Most procedures last 15–30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline: : Steroids typically begin to work within 2 to 5 days, but in some cases may take up to 2 weeks
- Activity:You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the injection site is common.
- Pain tracking: Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks.
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time—typically no more than 3–4 per year in the same region.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing buttock pain or sciatic-like symptoms, you may be dealing with piriformis syndrome. A piriformis injection at Restore Spine and Pain can offer both diagnostic clarity and symptom relief. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.