Piriformis Nerve Block Injection

What is Piriformis Nerve Block Injection?

Piriformis syndrome and other conditions that relate to the sciatic nerve are very common. When the piriformis muscle becomes irritated and spasms, it can pressure the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the leg, foot, and buttocks. Depending on the degree of the compression, pain levels may range from mild to severe and worsen with physical activity or sitting down. A piriformis block is a minimally invasive procedure that includes anesthetic and steroid injection. It is commonly used to treat patients experiencing piriformis syndrome and sciatic pain. This type of nerve block is inserted into the impacted area to alleviate pain by reducing irritation and swelling.

How Do Piriformis Nerve Block Injections Work?

During the procedure, one of our interventional pain specialists will ask you to lay on your abdomen on the examination table. After proper sterilization of the area, a local numbing agent is then administered to minimize discomfort at the injection site. With the aid of fluoride, a type of x-ray guide, the physician will then proceed to insert a small, hollow needle into the piriformis muscle.

The injection contains anesthetic and steroid agents that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. After the procedure, you will be asked to wait for at least 20 minutes to monitor your condition. Significant numbing in the leg often results immediately after receiving the injection. In this case, you may wait until you are able to walk safely. Our physicians will ask you to report your relief levels after a week. Those who receive a piriformis nerve block injection often experience immediate relief, but this results from the anesthetics. Once these wear off, it takes 2 to 3 days for the steroids to become effective and provide long-term relief.

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How to Prepare for Piriformis Nerve Block Injections

Before the procedure, your doctor must conduct a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history to successfully determine your eligibility to receive a piriformis nerve block injection. This step is crucial as corticosteroids may temporarily elevate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and affect patients with bleeding problems. For your safety, it is also vital that you inform us if you are allergic to iodine, contrast, or medical dye.

Depending on the symptoms, patients may need to receive more than one injection. If you or anyone you know is currently experiencing any of the previously discussed symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to our team today. Our expert interventional pain specialists possess decades of experience in pain management and treatment. We are happy to answer any question or concern you may have about your condition and treatment options.

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