A trigger point is a specific area of pain, spasm, tightness, or inflammation in the skeletal muscle. Trigger points can cause issues in a variety of areas—like headaches or pain in the upper and lower back, shoulders, and neck.
Trigger points injections are a safe, effective way to treat this condition. Here are ten things you should know prior to scheduling this procedure.
#1 – Trigger points have many different causes.
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome can cause trigger points. Trigger points can also be a result of tension headaches, acute trauma or repeated minor injury in a specific area.
#2 – Trigger points can be felt under the skin.
Trigger points are actual knotted areas of muscle. These knots are often tender, tight, and can be felt when the skin is touched.
#3 – Pain can radiate in areas outside the trigger point.
When pressure is applied to the area, pain can be triggered in other areas of the body.
#4 – Trigger point injections can treat many different conditions.
Trigger point injections can be used on many different muscle groups, like the arms, legs, back, and neck. They can also be used for many different conditions like chronic musculoskeletal conditions, headaches, and myofascial pain.
#5 – The medicine used in a trigger point injection can vary.
A trigger point injection is given directly into the trigger point for pain management. The medication in the shot can vary based on each patient’s condition. Most commonly an anesthetic like lidocaine, a corticosteroid, or a mixture of multiple is used. A needle with no medication can also be injected.
#6 – Different types of doctors can administer trigger point injections.
Trigger point injections can be administered at various doctors offices and by different types of doctors. Most often a rheumatologist, pain management doctor, rehabilitation doctor, or family practice doctor will provide this treatment.
#7 – Trigger point injection is a quick procedure.
Including numbing and prep time, trigger point injections only take about 15 minutes. It’s an outpatient procedure with virtually no downtime.
#8 – There are very few complications or side effects.
Trigger point injections are very safe. If there are side effects, they’re uncommon. Some may include minor pain, infection, or bleeding at the injection site, or if a steroid is used, fat beneath the skin can shrink, causing a dent. The chance of these side effects is slim and if any happen, they should go away within days.
#9 – It’s possible for a trigger point to be resolved after one injection.
Trigger point injections loosen muscles and reduce inflammation, making it possible for conditions like minor trauma to be gone after one treatment. Trigger points caused by chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain can recur, so injections can be administered regularly to treat the pain in these cases.
#10 – Trigger point therapy can be coupled with other treatments.
Regenerative procedures like platelet-rich plasma therapy can be administered with trigger point therapy to meet the specific needs of a patient.
Ready To Give Trigger Point Injections A Try?
Whether on it’s own or as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan, trigger point therapy has proven to be an effective way to relieve pain and increase the quality of life.
Chronic pain is a daily struggle, but you don’t have to let it rule your life.
At Spring Creek Medical Center, we’re here for you. Contact us to start your treatment and take a step toward a happier, healthier life.