standard-title Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Point Injections

Do you suffer from chronic muscle pain or other issues affecting the musculoskeletal system? Are you experiencing frequent headaches and unbearable jaw pain? If so, trigger point injections might be an appropriate solution for reducing your pain.

We understand that muscle pain can develop for different reasons, including sleeping in the wrong position or tearing a muscle during a workout session. Some muscle pain may go away on its own, but when it becomes chronic, that is when medical treatment is needed.

Prolotherapy is ideal for TMJ pain because it helps to strengthen the ligaments that allow for proper movement of the jaw.

What is a Trigger Point Injection?

A trigger point injection can be used to treat an issue that affects the musculoskeletal system. This form of treatment involves injecting medication directly into myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are highly sensitive bundles of fibers in tight bands of muscle. If you press on a muscle that has pain, you might be able to feel the ball or bump. We will determine the best type of medicine based on the severity and underlying cause of your pain. 

When using a trigger point injection, it might include:

  • Local anesthetic to block pain receptors in the muscles.
  • Corticosteroid to reduce inflammation in the muscle and connective tissue surrounding a nerve. 
  • Botox to interfere with the nerve signaling pathways and prevent muscle contractions. 

During the trigger point injection procedure, a small needle will be inserted into the myofascial trigger point to inject the medication. If you have tense muscles, you may feel a crunching sensation when the needle is inserted. But don’t worry, the feeling will subside as the muscle relaxes.

 

What are the Uses for Trigger Point Injections?

There are several uses for a trigger point injection to relieve pain. Pain can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Some of those conditions include the following:

  • Myofascial pain syndrome: A chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and their surrounding tissue. 
  • Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain condition that shares some symptoms of arthritis but affects the soft tissue instead of the actual joints. 
  • Headaches: Trigger points in the shoulders, neck and head can help reduce pain felt from migraines and tension-type headaches. 

 

What are the Side Effects of Trigger Point Injections?

With trigger point injections, there are a few side effects you may experience. Those include: 

  • Pain or temporary numbness at the injection site. 
  • Discoloration or dimpling of the skin near the injection site. 
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Bleeding.
  • Bruising around the injection site. 

But don’t worry! any pain, tenderness, or swelling that you may experience after your trigger point injection will typically wear off within a few hours.

Contact us to learn more about trigger point injections and to find out if you are a candidate for this treatment option for pain relief.