Everything you need to know about trigger point injections
Living with persistent pain can take a toll on both your physical and emotional well-being. Sometimes, regular painkillers or alternative therapies just aren’t enough. That’s where treatments like trigger point injections can help.
Trigger point injections are a minimally-invasive, effective option for managing pain caused by tight areas of muscle, also known as trigger points. Whether you’re dealing with muscle-related pain, myofascial pain syndrome or chronic tension, this treatment can offer relief and help you get back to doing what you love.
This blog post will guide you through what trigger point injections are, how they help and why they might be the right solution for your pain management plan.
Introduction to trigger points and trigger point injections
Trigger points are areas of muscle that are tightly contracted and painful. They often feel like knots under the skin and can cause discomfort both locally and in referred areas. For instance, a trigger point in the neck might cause headaches or pain radiating into the shoulders.
Trigger point injections involve injecting a small amount of medication directly into these painful muscle knots. The goal is to relax the muscle, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief.
This treatment can help with both acute pain from recent injuries and chronic pain caused by ongoing conditions. It’s an in-office procedure often performed by Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute.
What conditions can trigger point injections help with?
Trigger point injections are versatile and have been shown to address several pain-related conditions, including:
Myofascial pain syndrome: Persistent pain caused by trigger points in muscle tissue.
Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition known for widespread muscle pain and fatigue.
Headaches and migraines: Especially those triggered by muscle tension in the neck or shoulders.
Chronic neck and back pain: Often caused by tension or repetitive strain.
Sports injuries or muscle spasms: Trigger points forming as part of the healing response.
Acute muscle pain from overuse or prolonged poor posture.
If you experience any of these conditions, trigger point injections could be a valuable part of your treatment plan. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez and our team tailor treatments based on each patient’s medical history and specific needs.
What is the procedure like?
Trigger point injections are designed to be quick, simple, and relatively comfortable. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Evaluation and Preparation
Dr. Lopez will begin by identifying the specific trigger points causing your pain through a physical exam and consultation.
Prepping the Area
Once the area is pinpointed, the skin above the trigger point is thoroughly cleaned. A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort during the injection.
Injection
A fine, sterile needle is used to inject a combination of local anesthetic and, sometimes, corticosteroids directly into the trigger point. This not only relieves pain but also reduces inflammation.
Post-Injection Movement
To help the medication spread and further relax the muscle, you may be guided through gentle stretches or movements.
The whole procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most patients can immediately return to their daily activities after the treatment.
Where on the body can trigger point injections be used?
Trigger point injections can be applied to virtually any muscle in the body. Some of the most common areas include:
Shoulders
Neck
Lower back
Arms and legs
By targeting specific muscles, trigger point injections are an ideal solution for pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments like massage or physical therapy.
What are the potential side effects of trigger point injections?
Like any medical procedure, trigger point injections come with potential side effects. These are generally mild and short-lived, including:
Redness or soreness at the injection site.
Temporary swelling or bruising.
Fatigue, dizziness, or headache after the procedure.
Serious complications are rare, especially when administered by an experienced practitioner like Dr. Lopez.
What are the benefits of trigger point injections?
The benefits of trigger point injections go beyond immediate pain relief. Here’s why many patients consider them a game-changing solution:
Quick results: Pain relief often begins within minutes of the injection.
Non-surgical: It’s a minimally invasive alternative to surgery or invasive procedures.
Improved mobility: Trigger point injections can help loosen muscle stiffness, making it easier to move without pain.
Customizable treatment: Each injection is tailored to your anatomy and symptoms, ensuring targeted relief.
By incorporating trigger point injections into their pain management plans, countless patients have reclaimed their ability to enjoy life with greater comfort and fewer interruptions from pain.
What are some other minimally invasive pain management procedures?
Trigger point injections are just one tool in the arsenal of minimally invasive pain management. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we also specialize in procedures like:
Epidural steroid injections to manage neck, back, or leg pain caused by herniated discs or sciatica.
Nerve blocks to target and "turn off" specific pain pathways.
Radiofrequency ablation for long-term relief of joint and nerve pain.
Spinal cord stimulation to manage severe or nerve-related pain.
These innovative options are designed to alleviate pain without the downtime, risks, or recovery associated with surgery.
Take the first step to pain relief with DFW Interventional Pain Institute
Chronic pain can keep you from living life to the fullest—but it doesn’t have to. Solutions like trigger point injections and other minimally invasive procedures offer targeted, effective relief for a wide range of conditions.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez and our team take pride in providing individualized, compassionate care to help patients regain control of their lives. If you’re ready to explore your options, we encourage you to contact us today.
