What It Is: A piriformis muscle injection involves administering a mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroid or botox directly into the piriformis muscle, a small muscle located deep in the buttock region. This muscle can sometimes irritate or compress the nearby sciatic nerve, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttock and down the leg, a condition known as piriformis syndrome. The injection aims to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation, providing relief from these symptoms.

How It Will Help: The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, while the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief in the affected areas. By decreasing irritation of the sciatic nerve, the injection helps alleviate pain and improve mobility. This treatment can enable patients to participate more effectively in physical therapy exercises aimed at stretching the piriformis muscle and relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Why It Is Safe: Piriformis muscle injections are generally safe when performed by a trained healthcare provider using imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy to ensure accurate placement of the injection. This precision minimizes the risk of damaging nearby structures and helps ensure the medication is delivered directly to the intended site. Side effects are typically mild, including temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site. This procedure provides targeted relief with minimal systemic effects, making it a safe option for managing piriformis syndrome symptoms.