Piriformis Injections in Manhattan, NY

A piriformis injection is a procedure in which a local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected into your piriformis muscle, which is located deep in your buttocks. This procedure can be used both diagnostically to determine the source of your pain and therapeutically by providing pain relief.

People who experience buttock pain or pain in the back of their leg and have not responded to conservative treatments, such as ice, heat, and stretching may be a candidate for a piriformis injection. Your sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle and when this muscle becomes tight and spasmed it can cause your sciatic nerve to become irritated. While simple stretching and rest can sometimes alleviate spasm and pain, in more severe cases a piriformis injection may help to release the spasm and reduce swelling in the sciatic nerve.

We can perform all piriformis injections in our office using ultrasound guidance. During the procedure your physician will locate your piriformis muscle under ultrasound and inject a combination of local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The local anesthetic will help to provide immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid will provide longer relief. Corticosteroids take 3-5 days to begin working, so it is normal for your pain to return to normal after the local anesthetic wears off. These procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed in less than 30 minutes.

If you are experiencing buttock pain and pain in the back of your leg which has not gotten better from rest or stretching then a piriformis injection may be helpful for you! Contact our midtown Manhattan office today to schedule your consultation!

How long does the actual injection take?
The injection itself only takes a few minutes, but the entire appointment might last 30 to 60 minutes. The appointment provides time for preparation and positioning and sometimes a short observation afterward to ensure everything went smoothly. Even though the injection is quick, it's a precise process that often uses imaging like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide placement. This helps ensure the medication reaches the exact area causing discomfort.

Can I drive myself home afterward?
It's generally not recommended to drive yourself home after a piriformis injection. Even if you feel fine, the local anesthetic can temporarily affect your muscle control, and there's always a small chance of dizziness or discomfort. Our treatment team suggests having someone accompany you or arranging for transportation just to be safe. You'll likely be able to resume normal activities later in the day or the following one, but safety comes first.

What if the injection doesn't relieve my pain?
Not every patient experiences immediate or complete relief from a piriformis injection, and that's okay. Sometimes it takes a day or two for the medication to work fully, and in other cases, more than one injection may be needed. If the first one doesn't provide the desired relief, our team might reassess the diagnosis or suggest combining the treatment with physical therapy. It's all part of a process to figure out what works best for your unique situation.