How Trigger Point Injections Provide Effective Pain Relief
The term “trigger point” refers to an area of sensitive muscle tissue. This area is formed when the fascia surrounding the muscles contracts and adheres to itself. Commonly referred to as a “knot”, they often feel like a painful bump under the skin. These trigger points can create pain in other areas of the body by affecting a nearby nerve. This “referred pain” can continue until the trigger point is released. Trigger point injections are a method of addressing these painful areas by allowing the muscle to relax and the fascia to release.
Addressing trigger point concerns is often accomplished using trigger point injections. They work by injecting a combination of corticosteroid and anesthetic into one of these trigger points. This allows the muscle to relax and release. They’re frequently used to treat chronic pain appearing in various areas, including:
- Lower back
- Neck
- Arms
- Legs
These conditions often occur due to issues including joint disorders, poor muscle mechanics, posture concerns, and muscle injuries. This treatment has been shown as effective in treating certain chronic medical conditions, including:
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Tension headaches
- Chronic Migraines
Trigger point procedures take only a few moments to perform. You’ll be asked to either lie down or sit down, depending on where your pain is located. They palpate (feel) the area to determine where the trigger points are located. Once identified, they’ll inject the corticosteroid/anesthetic mixture into the trigger point.
All medical treatments have some associated degree of risk of complications. There are very few associated with trigger point injections. The most frequently reported are mild bleeding or infection at the treatment site. Soreness and numbness may occur but often pass within just a few days.
Successful trigger point injections relieve pain from these trigger points. They have been found to be successful in cases where other treatment approaches have failed. They’re also used as complementary treatments to other approaches such as physical therapy or oral medication. There’s no need to prepare for a trigger point injection; you’ll just need to bring a list of your current medications.
Following the treatment, you should refrain from strenuous activity for a few days. You can return to normal activities within 72 hours and expect the pain relief to persist for a month or so. It’s common for trigger points to become a recurring treatment when they prove successful.
Relief With Trigger Points From Pain Management Services
Trigger points can provide meaningful relief from chronic pain conditions. Contact Pain Management Services to schedule an assessment with a physician. They’ll speak to you about your symptoms and discuss treatments that have already been attempted. Using this information, they’ll develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your condition. Call today to start your road to chronic pain relief.
