What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injection is a procedure where medicine is injected into trigger points. These injections are used on areas of muscle that contain trigger points that cannot be released from above the skin. They are often used to treat irritated nerves and reduce pain around the body.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight areas, or “knots,” that form within muscle tissue. Most common in the back, shoulders, and hips, trigger points occur when the affected areas experience tension and stiffness which can be a result of injury, illness or stress.

It is important to properly treat trigger points because if left untreated, they create stress on the surrounding muscles which could lead to the development of more trigger points.

When Are Trigger Point Injections Used?

Some issues these injections will help treat include fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome. It can also benefit those who suffer from other types of chronic pain in their arms, legs, lower back, and neck. These injections can also be used for issues such as spinal irritation and joint pain.

How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

A small needle is inserted into the patient’s trigger point. Our office offers trigger point injections with lidocaine. We also offer a natural alternative called sarapin that can be used for trigger point injections. When injected, the medicine helps reduce inflammation and relax the muscles to increase blood flow, which leads to healing. The trigger point then becomes inactive and there will be a relief of pain.

What Is the Process Like?

Trigger point injections are outpatient procedures that typically only take a few minutes to complete. A patient is able to receive an injection in more than one trigger point during one visit. A single injection is often sufficient, but if the trigger point redevelops after the treatment, additional injections may be necessary.

We Can Help!

At Spine & Sports Rehabilitation and Pain Management, we want to help you get on track to a pain-free life. If you are suffering from chronic pain and are interested in learning more about how trigger point injections can help alleviate your pain, contact our office today!