Trigger point injections are a treatment used to reduce pain and improve mobility in affected body areas. They involve injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point, which is a tight band of muscle that can cause pain when pressed. The injection is meant to relax the muscles and reduce pain. But do trigger point injections help? Let’s take a closer look.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are areas of tightness or knots in the muscles that can cause pain when pressed or moved. They can be caused by overuse, injury, or even stress. When these points become irritated, they can cause referred pain in other areas of the body, as well as decreased range of motion and decreased strength. Trigger points can be found in any muscle group but are primarily found in the neck, shoulders, and back.
How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
Trigger point injections involve injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point. The medication used is typically a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, which helps to relax the muscle and reduce pain. The injection may also contain a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and swelling around the area.
Do Trigger Point Injections Really Help?
The answer is yes! Studies have shown that trigger point injections can effectively reduce pain and improve mobility in affected body areas. In one study, patients who received trigger point injections reported significant improvement in their pain levels after just one treatment session. Other studies have also shown that trigger point injections can help reduce inflammation and improve the range of motion in affected areas.
Are There Any Risks Involved with Trigger Point Injections?
Although trigger point injections are generally safe, some risks are involved with this type of treatment. These include infection at the injection site, bleeding or bruising at the injection site, nerve damage, allergic reaction to medications used, and increased risk for scar tissue formation at the injection site. It’s important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before undergoing this type of treatment.
Want to Learn More?
Trigger point injections can relieve pain for those suffering from muscle knots and spasms. As part of our pain management program, All-American Medical specializes in using trigger point injections to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Their pain management experts use ultrasound guidance to precisely target affected muscles and inject a mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication.
This helps break the pain cycle, restore range of motion, and enable physical therapy. While not a cure, trigger point injections can be a powerful component of an effective treatment plan.
If you’re looking for experienced medical professionals who can determine if trigger point injections could help your condition, make an appointment with All-American Medical.
