Trigger point injections help treat chronic muscle discomfort and pain related to myofascial trigger points, which are extremely sensitive bundles of fibers in tight bands of muscle. Medication is injected directly into myofascial trigger points as part of the treatment. Based on the level of discomfort and its underlying cause, the doctor will choose the optimum medication.
What Is a Trigger Point?
Muscle “knots” are trigger points and can be extremely sensitive to pressure or contact. They may develop following severe trauma or due to repeated microtrauma that stresses the muscle fibers. The muscle fibers become entrapped in a contracted state as a result. When you rub your muscle, you could occasionally feel these knots.
Numerous general practitioners and pain specialists commonly identify and treat myofascial pain, which may entail trigger point injections, physical therapy, and stretching exercises.
What Does Trigger Point Injections Consist Of?
A trigger point injection usually consists of the following:
A local anesthetic that blocks pain receptors in the muscles, like lidocaine
A corticosteroid, which lessens swelling in the muscles and connective tissue
Botulinum toxin A (Botox), which blocks nerve signaling channels and stops muscular spasms
To administer the medication during the operation, the doctor will place a small needle into a myofascial trigger point. When the doctor inserts the needle, people with particularly tight muscles could experience a crunching feeling. As the muscle relaxes, this sensation usually goes away.
Who Needs to Have a Trigger Point Injection?
If your trigger point discomfort has not diminished despite trying alternative therapies like over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, massage therapy, myofascial release, and physical therapy, a trigger point injection might be the solution for you.
When a trigger point injection is first used to treat pain in patients who are unable to perform physical therapy or stretching because of severe pain, this approach can be especially helpful. The trigger point injection can also help enhance the efficacy of physical therapy.
Before recommending a trigger point injection, your doctor will need to do a complete physical examination and rule out any other potential sources of your discomfort, such as:
Muscle ache
Radiculopathy (pain from a pinched nerve)
Back discomfort can be brought on by problems with your spinal column, such as spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or degenerative arthritis
Structural causes of pain
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections, which are generally safe, can provide pain relief for those who have been dealing with trigger point discomfort but have not had relief from more conventional therapies like over-the-counter painkillers or physical therapy. Depending on the damaged muscle, trigger point injections can significantly increase the range of motion and total muscular functionality.
Are you looking for the right experts to try trigger point therapy with? Look no further than Integrated Medical Group! If you have any questions or wish to book a free consultation, contact us today.
References (Do Not Publish):
https://www.verywellhealth.com/trigger-point-2696165