When muscles do not relax knots or trigger points form, causing pain. Trigger points may even irritate surrounding nerves resulting in referred pain. Referred pain is felt in another part of the body. Trigger point injections are an outpatient procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the trigger point. A local anesthetic medication or a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid is injected into the trigger point. The medication inactivates the trigger point to provide pain relief. Trigger Point Injections are often used to treat muscles groups in the neck, arms, legs, and lower back.
A major benefit of trigger point injections is more effective participation in rehabilitation programs such as physical therapy due to the loosening of muscle groups. More effective participation will increase progress towards joint mobilization.
Conditions Treated
- Tension Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Typical Benefits/Outcomes
Benefits and outcomes depends on the nature of each individuals condition.
- Relief or reduction in pain
- Reduction in pain medications
- Improved mobility
