What Are Trigger point Injections

Trigger Points are small nodules that form within muscles and cause chronic myofascial pain syndrome. They can occur in various muscle groups, including the upper back, neck, shoulders, and lower back.

Causes

Micro-traumas cause Trigger Points in the muscles. For example, a micro-injury followed by inflammation leads to a hyperreactive muscle area, representing a nodule within the muscle. This nodule is palpable and causes pain and tenderness.

  • Repetitive injuries
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor Posture
  • Over user of muscles
  • Chronic stress condition - anxiety, depression, psychological stress trauma
  • Inflammation of joints, leading to Trigger Points around joint muscles
  • Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals
  • Poor Posture causes load on a few groups of muscles

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom of Trigger Points is pain and discomfort in a specific area of the muscle or around joints. This pain can increase with exertion and may be relieved after rest.

What Are Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Point injections involve identifying Trigger Points within muscles by palpation or ultrasound and inserting a thin needle into the Trigger Point. The medication used in the injection usually consists of a combination of a local anesthetic agent and steroid medications, which help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

How Do Trigger Point Injections Work

Trigger Point injections break up the tiny nodules that cause Trigger Points, releasing chemicals that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Steroids have an intense anti-inflammatory action, which reduces stress on the muscles. Following the injection, physiotherapy helps in restoring muscle function.

What Conditions Can Trigger Point Injections Treat

Trigger Point injections can be used to treat a range of conditions, including:

  • Chronic headaches,
  • Fibromyalgia,
  • Myofascial pain syndrome,
  • Neck and back pain,
  • Sciatica,
  • Tennis elbow, and
  • Tension headaches.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Trigger Point injections are simple procedures that can be done, outpatient. During the process, your doctor will palpate the painful areas of muscle and give injections in the Trigger Points. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and following the injection, you can go home without any precautions. After the injection, you may experience mild pain or discomfort at the injection site for one or two days. This is normal and will subside within a few days. You may also experience temporary numbness or weakness in the area around the injection site. It's essential to follow your doctor's medication, and they may advise using an ice pack to reduce swelling and simple painkillers for pain relief.

Conclusion

At our pain clinic, we understand how chronic pain can affect your daily life. Our Trigger Point injection treatment is a simple, safe, and effective way to manage and reduce pain. If you're experiencing pain that has lasted more than three weeks, we recommend visiting our pain clinic. With the help of Trigger Point injection procedures, you can experience relief from chronic pain and have a better quality of life.