Piriformis Blocks

Sciatic nerve pain is a common problem that can limit mobility and affect someone’s quality of life. When the sciatic nerve is under pressure due to muscle spasms or inflammation, it can cause chronic lower back, hip or leg pain. Finding the cause of the nerve pressure and relieving this pressure can offer relief for patients with sciatica. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, one non-invasive treatment option that we offer is a piriformis block injection.

The sciatic nerve exits the spinal cord at the base of the spine and the sacrum. Surrounding the sciatic nerve on each side are the piriformis muscles. They are the small muscles that connect the femurs to the lower spine and help with hip movement. If these muscles become inflamed or contract in spasms, they can affect the sciatic nerve.

Sciatic pain typically is a shooting or burning sensation that can start in the lower back and flow through the buttocks and hips then down the legs. Sciatica can make it painful and difficult to stand or walk. In many cases, sciatic nerve pain only affects one side of the body.

Pain Relief for Sciatica

A piriformis block injection is directed into the piriformis muscle that is affecting the sciatic nerve. The injection uses a local anesthetic and a steroid medication to relieve inflammation. It is placed into the piriformis muscle on the side that is affected by sciatica. The local anesthesia can help with pain immediately, but this numbness wears off in a few hours. The steroid takes a few days to relieve the inflammation or soothe the spasming muscle, which can offer longer relief for those with sciatic nerve pain.

If you suffer from sciatica and live in the greater Atlanta area, come see us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. We will design a treatment plan to give you relief, which may include treatments like piriformis block injections. Contact one of our clinics to schedule your first consultation with one of our experienced pain physicians.