Can trigger point injections help with chronic pain?
While some pain is a normal part of life, other types of pain are not. Chronic pain, as many of us know all too well, can cause distress and can even lead to depression. Chronic pain can result from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an injury that has failed to heal completely.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we offer a range of treatments to help manage pain, including trigger point injections. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into what trigger point injections are, how they work, and their benefits. Keep reading to discover how you can say goodbye to your chronic pain and start living your best life.
What are trigger point injections?
Trigger point injections are a minimally invasive pain management treatment that involves the injection of medication into a specific muscle or trigger point. Trigger points are muscles that have tightened and become painful due to injury or inflammation. The injection aims to relax the muscle, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
The therapeutic use of trigger point injections has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. The term "trigger point" was first used by Dr. Janet Travell in the 1940s to describe the focal areas of muscle tension she observed in her patients. Travell, who would later become President John F. Kennedy's personal physician, pioneered the use of trigger point injections as a pain management technique.
Over the years, this therapy has evolved and been refined. Today, it is recognized as a safe and effective method for managing various forms of chronic and acute pain. Despite the advancements in technology and the emergence of new pain management strategies, the core principle of trigger point injections remains the same: providing targeted relief to tense and painful muscles to enhance patients' quality of life.
How are trigger point injections used to relieve pain?
Trigger point injections are used to relieve a variety of types of pain, including but not limited to: headaches, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. They are also effective in treating fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and other chronic pain conditions.
At our practice in Irving,, Dr. Edrick Lopez takes a thorough and meticulous approach towards diagnosing trigger points and administering trigger point injections.
The process begins with an exhaustive patient consultation, where Dr. Lopez makes a note of the patient's medical history, any pre-existing conditions, and the specifics of their pain, including its characteristics, location, and severity. He then conducts a physical examination, palpating the suspected areas to identify any taut, painful bands of muscle fibers, a telltale sign of trigger points.
Once the trigger points have been identified, Dr. Lopez prepares for the injection procedure. This involves cleaning the skin over the trigger point and applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort for the patient. Using a fine, sterile needle, Dr. Lopez then carefully injects the medication directly into the trigger point. This medication typically consists of a local anesthetic combined with a corticosteroid, designed to alleviate inflammation and provide immediate pain relief.
The entire procedure is usually completed within a few minutes and is performed in-office on an outpatient basis. After the injection, patients might be asked to perform specific gentle movements or stretches to help disperse the medication and promote muscle relaxation. The combination of the medication and the physical movement helps in effectively relieving the pain and discomfort associated with the trigger points.
This comprehensive approach, tailored to each patient's individual needs, ensures optimal results and helps patients return to their regular activities with minimal downtime.
Where on the body can trigger point injections be used?
The common areas where trigger point injections can be used are the arms, legs, neck, and lower back. Patients who experience pain due to muscle spasms or tension may benefit from trigger point injections. When you come into our office, you can feel comfortable asking Dr. Lopez an our staff any questions you might have about where trigger point injections can help.
What are the side effects of trigger point injections?
As with any medical treatment, potential side effects are possible. Some of the most common side effects include soreness, redness and/or swelling at the injection site. Patients may also experience headaches, dizziness and fatigue in the hours following the injection. However, these side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own.
DFW Interventional Pain Institute can help!
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we have a team of experienced pain management professionals who are devoted to providing personalized care to our patients. Dr. Edrick Lopez is an experienced injection specialist who can administer trigger point injections to help treat your chronic pain. We encourage you to book an appointment on our website and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
Painful trigger points can be a thing of the past with trigger point injections. With their effectiveness in treating various types of pain and minimal side effects, trigger point injections are a life-changing pain management solution. Our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute is here to help relieve your chronic pain. Book an appointment with us and take the first step towards your pain-free future.
