No one enjoys getting a shot, but for those suffering from chronic back pain, headaches, or neck pain, an injection may actually be a source of relief. For some dealing with chronic pain, the root of discomfort may be related to a particular kind of muscle pain known as trigger points. These devious knots of muscle may seem like no big deal, but they can cause serious pain if left untreated. If you are ready to start living free from pain caused by trigger points, read below to learn if trigger point injections are right for you.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are painful knots of muscle that form when groups of muscles are constantly tight or unable to relax. These knots can form for any number of reasons, including muscle strains, tension, or injuries, and a trigger point can develop when the muscle does not heal correctly. Trigger points can cause dull, achy pain and irritation in the nerves around the affected muscle, and the muscle may twitch when the trigger point is touched. Trigger point pain is also distinct from general muscle pain because this discomfort will persist and may worsen over time. A healthcare professional should be able to tell you if the pain you are experiencing is caused by trigger points and what your treatment options are.
Are Trigger Point Injections Right for You?
Trigger point injections are a method of treatment for those suffering from trigger point pain. Patients can experience pain in the muscle where the trigger point is located, as well as referred pain in the nerves around the trigger point. Trigger point injections are also used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, which often presents itself in the form of trigger points and referred pain.
Trigger point injections are a minimally invasive treatment option and may help individuals find pain relief if other non-invasive treatments have not worked. If you are dealing with chronic pain in your neck, back, arms, legs, or head, and a medical professional has identified trigger points as a cause of your pain, trigger point injections may be right for you!
What Does the Procedure Look Like?
Trigger point injections are easy and straightforward. They are performed in a medical professional’s office and are often completely painless. The doctor numbs the afflicted area so you won’t feel the needle, and then injects saline or anesthetic into the trigger point. The injection releases the tension in the muscle and reduces the pain receptors in your muscles. If your doctor also injects a corticosteroid, this helps reduce swelling or inflammation that is contributing to your chronic pain. Multiple trigger point injections can be completed in one office visit, so you can experience relief from several areas of pain after just one appointment.
Many patients experience pain relief within a few hours after a trigger point injection, though it is possible to feel some soreness at the injection site. You should rest the affected area for one or two days after the injection, but you should be able to get back to work within 48 hours. Trigger point injections can provide pain relief ranging from a few days to many months, depending on the patient.
If you are experiencing muscle pain that you think might be caused by trigger points, talk to your healthcare provider to explore your treatment options. Trigger point injections may be an effective and virtually painless treatment for your discomfort.
At All American Healthcare, we are here to help you live a life without pain. We offer a variety of treatments to combat whatever pain you are dealing with, including chiropractic adjustments, trigger point injections, spinal decompression therapy, and more. Come visit us at All American Healthcare, and start living pain-free today.
