Piriformis Injections: Relieve Pain and Regain Mobility - Rubin Reviewed
What are Piriformis Injections?
Piriformis injections are a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating pain and inflammation in the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located in the buttock region, playing a crucial role in hip rotation and stability. When this muscle becomes tight or inflamed, it can lead to a condition known as piriformis syndrome, causing pain in the buttocks and radiating down the back of the leg. It can mimic sciatica in some patients.
What Can Piriformis Injections Treat?
Piriformis injections are primarily used to manage the symptoms of piriformis spasms, but they can also be beneficial in addressing other conditions, such as:
Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs beneath the piriformis muscle, becomes compressed or irritated.
Piriformis Muscle Spasms: Tightness or spasms in the piriformis muscle can lead to discomfort and restricted movement.
Low Back Pain: Piriformis injections may help relieve lower back pain, especially when it is related to piriformis syndrome.
How are Piriformis Injections Administered?
The procedure is carried out in our comfortable and well-equipped office. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect during the process:
Preparation: You will be asked to lie on your stomach, and the skin around the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the injection site, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Injection: Using palpation with ultrasound guidance, I will accurately guide a thin needle to the target area, delivering a corticosteroid medication along with a local anesthetic to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Recovery: Following the injection, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. Most patients can go home within minutes and resume normal activities gradually.
What are the Risks of Piriformis Injections?
While Piriformis injections are generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These risks may include:
Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
Allergic Reaction: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the medications used during the injection.
Bleeding or Bruising: Minor bleeding or bruising may occur at the injection site.
Nerve Damage: In rare cases, the needle used during the procedure may cause damage to nearby nerves.
Don’t let pain keep you from living your life to the fullest. If you are experiencing symptoms of piriformis syndrome, sciatica, or other related conditions, Piriformis injections might be the solution you need. Take the first step towards a pain-free life by contacting our office and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Edward Rubin.