Myofascial Trigger Point Injection

What are myofascial trigger points?

Myofascial trigger points are “knots” in muscle tissue that occur when your muscles struggle to relax. They are most commonly found in the neck, lower, and upper back, leading to chronic headaches, neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain.

In many cases, you can actually feel the knot, or nodule, where the trigger point is located. The area can feel tender as it radiates pain. Some of the most common musculoskeletal disorders associated with trigger point pain include:

• Fibromyalgia
  
• Neck pain
  
• Upper back pain
  
• Lower back pain
  
• Myofascial pain syndrome
  
• Repetitive injuries
  
• Tension headaches
  
• Migraine headaches

If you have mild pain, a long massage, heat and ice therapy, and OTC medications can help alleviate your symptoms. However, these techniques may not be enough if your pain is more severe.

What are myofascial trigger point injections?

A myofascial point injection relieves tension in your muscles with a mixture of saline, a local anesthetic, and a corticosteroid in some cases. 

The simple act of inserting a needle into the trigger point is sometimes enough to render the point inactive. For patients with certain allergies, the Advanced Pain Management team can use a dry needling technique to relieve pain in your muscles.

Depending on the severity and location of your pain, the team may recommend more than one injection during a single visit. For some patients, relief is dramatic and immediate. However, most patients feel their tension subside over the course of 24 to 72 hours.

How does the team perform trigger point injections?

The team at Advanced Pain Management wants you to feel as comfortable as possible for your injection. You will sit or lie down during the appointment. 

Once you’re ready, the team presses on your muscle to locate the trigger point that’s causing you pain. Then, they make an injection at the site. In all, the injections should only take a few minutes.

Trigger point injections carry very few risks. While minor soreness and mild numbness at the injection site are perfectly normal, call your doctor right away if you experience more serious complications, such as bleeding or infection.

A myofascial trigger point injection can provide the relief you deserve to enjoy life. Call Advanced Pain Management or book an appointment online to learn more.