Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial pain syndrome belongs to a group of chronic pain conditions. It characteristically impacts your musculoskeletal system. Typically, patients experience localized muscular pain for a few weeks. On the contrary, others may suffer from a persistent episode of muscle pain. The pain sensation can be easily compared to the feeling of a knot stiff spinal muscle - unable to move or relax at all. 

For patients experiencing myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), the sensitive spots in their bodies are generally referred to as trigger points. When touched, the pain often spreads pain to your shoulders, neck, and even upper back. While pressure is applied to these sensitive trigger points, patients experience pain (referred pain) in a different part of the body. Contrary to common belief, trigger points aren’t only found near your neck. You can find them in muscles all over your body.

What Are the Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome ?

Some of the very common symptoms experienced in MPS include: 

•  localized deep pain in muscles 
• muscular pain deteriorates over time / fails to improve with time 
• pain intensity increases when the affected muscle is strained or stretched. 
• Painful knots in muscle tissues, which when pressed can generate intense referred or localized pain. 
• sleep or mood disturbances • affected muscles are stiff, weak, inflexible, or have a limited range of motion 

What Are the Most Critical Risk Factors and Causes?

The majority of the trigger points develop due to muscle trauma (injury), muscle overuse, or even psychological stress. Such sensitive trigger points most probably arise from repetitive and sustained activities. These can include working on a computer all day or even lifting heavy objects. No single factor can be ruled out as the definitive cause for the development of trigger points. In patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, a combination of risk factors can include the following: 

•  bad posture
•  poor nutritional habits 
•  sitting in awkward positions for extended periods 
•  generalized fatigue 
•  lack of movement or exercise 
•  injury to intervertebral disks or the musculoskeletal system 
•  hormonal changes 
•  lack of sleep 
•  emotional variations (anxiety, depression) 
•  other inflammatory health conditions 
•  smoking 
•  obesity 

What Do We Offer? Trigger Point Injections as A Treatment Option. 

Myofascial pain syndrome can be a very daunting condition to experience. If you are someone who is still experiencing recurrent myofascial trigger points despite trying out all home remedies and other massage therapies, we are offering Trigger point injections (TPIs). 

Trigger point injections are a straightforward treatment option extensively used to relieve myofascial pain. TPIs are like dry needling, but only a solution is injected into the affected. Generally, doctors have two options - inject saline or a local anesthetic.

Trigger point injections are able to treat muscle pain all over your body. These can handle both; general muscle knots as well as their consequences like migraine, myofascial pain, or even tension headaches. Doctors are able to use these TPIs wherever the trigger points exist. Health experts consider them safe to use in all areas of your body. 

Here at Global Medical Clinic, we offer lidocaine (local anesthetic) injections as a later-stage therapy for your trigger points - that is, when you have already gone through less invasive treatments, like massage, before opting for injection therapy. Depending on your particular  condition, our expert doctors may prescribe the injections in conjunction with a physical therapy program or an exercise plan for optimal results and facilitating better rehabilitation. 

What Does a Trigger Point Injection Appointment Looks Like? 

The whole TPIs procedure is a short and in-office appointment. It is a very simple process. Initially, your healthcare provider will palpate the potential trigger point to accurately identify the exact region where the myofascial knots are located. A fine needle will be utilized to deliver the lidocaine via injection directly into the target tissue area. During this phase, you may be lying down or sitting up depending on the location of the target trigger point(s). You may likely end up receiving more than one injection—everything depends on your particular condition and the number of trigger points you have. Our healthcare will share all relevant details with you prior to the procedure.