Piriformis Muscle Injection Procedure in Flowood, MS

A piriformis muscle injection is used to diagnose the cause of your buttocks or sciatic pain and to provide relief from discomfort. The injection is delivered into the piriformis muscle and contains a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication. The piriformis muscle is located in the pelvic region and is responsible for various important functions, such as hip rotation. If this muscle gets tight, inflamed, or experiences spasms, it can significantly limit the hip’s range of motion and cause pain extending down the leg.
 
When a piriformis muscle injection is administered, the local anesthetic works to stop the muscle from spasming. The local anesthetic relaxes the muscle for approximately 6 hours before wearing off. While some pain may return after this period, this does not mean the treatment didn’t work. The steroid medication will begin to deliver anti-inflammatory effects within 24 to 72 hours. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks for these effects to fully kick in.
 
In summary, piriformis muscle injections are used as part of pain management for individuals who experience chronic pain in their buttocks, symptoms of sciatica, or a limited range of motion in their hips. If you think you could benefit from this approach, our experts are here to determine whether piriformis muscle injections are right for you.

There are two primary reasons why a doctor may recommend piriformis muscle injections: diagnostic and therapeutic. For diagnostic purposes, this injection can be used to determine if the piriformis muscle is the source of your pain. If you experience significant relief after receiving the injection, it suggests to the doctor that the piriformis muscle is behind your discomfort and other symptoms.
 
The most common reason to administer piriformis muscle injections is for therapeutic purposes. The combined effect of the anesthetic and the steroid medication delivers various benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and, of course, relieving chronic and frustrating pain. If you experience muscle spasms in the piriformis, this injection can ease localized tension and alleviate the compression on the sciatic nerve.

Piriformis muscle injections can provide significant pain relief; however, the extent of the benefits depends on the severity of your symptoms and several other factors. To deliver the most optimal outcomes, physicians incorporate piriformis muscle injections into a comprehensive treatment plan to address the root cause of your discomfort. This usually involves physical therapy, medications, and minimally invasive interventions.
 
In the majority of cases, a series of piriformis muscle injections is required to provide the most long-lasting and effective pain relief. The doctor will assess the severity of your condition as well as your response to the initial treatment to determine an optimal schedule to manage your pain.
 
To avoid complications after your piriformis injections, you should avoid driving or soaking in water for 24 hours after your appointment. Additionally, it’s recommended to wait 3 days before resuming physical therapy.

Immediately after your piriformis muscle injection, you may experience some mild soreness. This should only last a few days and can be managed by icing the area several times a day. While the local anesthetic will provide some numbing and relief for about 6 hours, the most significant effects usually become apparent within 3 to 7 days. Your doctor may recommend you continue with your usual or over-the-counter pain medication while the benefits kick in.
 
Typically, piriformis muscle injections provide relief for several months; however, results may vary from patient to patient. In most cases, 3 to 4 injections are needed annually to provide sustained relief. When used as part of a pain management treatment plan, piriformis injections can enhance your range of motion and allow you to live with less pain. To find out if this treatment approach could be the solution to your discomfort, schedule a consultation at Jackson Pain Center. We are conveniently located at 1 Layfair Drive, Suite 400 Flowood, MS 39232. Contact us for more information. We serve patients from Flowood MS, Jackson MS, Pearl MS, Richland MS, Ridgeland MS, Langford MS, Brandon MS, and surrounding areas.