Trigger points are tight knots of muscles that form after injury or overuse and cause varying pain levels. These hyperirritable spots are relieved using local anesthetic and combined medication injections. Your back doctor can use corticosteroid injections to relieve back pain and inflammation or platelet-rich plasma injections to promote healing. Here are some frequently asked questions about trigger point injections:
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections are treatments used to relieve muscle pain in the back, shoulders, legs, and other areas of localized pain. A back doctor may use trigger point injections to loosen muscle knots near the spine. They usually contain corticosteroids, which relieve pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and promote relaxation, resulting in long-term relief. Spinal injections are used to treat pain caused by stenosis or a herniated disc. Some injections use platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which has growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
How Are Injections Performed?
Trigger point injections are outpatient procedures that take a few minutes to complete. Doctors locate the trigger point or muscle knot by touching the affected area to gauge the pain response. For the injection, a small needle is inserted into the area and medication is applied directly into the knot. Injections relax the muscles, resulting in reduced pain and inflammation.
You may benefit from a single injection or several injections over weeks to months to manage chronic pain conditions. The frequency of trigger point injections varies depending on individual needs and how you respond to treatment. Spacing corticosteroid injections enables them to take full effect before the next session.
What Do Injections Treat?
Most injections target pain originating in the back and spinal areas. Doctors may offer various treatments, including caudal, cervical, and lumbar epidural steroid injections. These injections can:
- Relieve pain and inflammation caused by irritated or pinched spinal nerves
- Reduce lower back and leg pain caused by sciatica, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs
- Numb tight muscle knots, relieving localized and referred pain
- Find the underlying cause of pain, enabling doctors to develop customized treatment plans
They are a suitable treatment when knots do not respond to techniques like massage therapy. PRP injections promote long-term recovery in muscles and joints that do not respond to other injection types. The plasma is injected into injured muscles, tendons, or joints to deliver natural growth factors.
Are Trigger Point Injections Effective?
Trigger point injections deliver corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory properties. Pain relief varies from patient to patient, but most can expect inflammation to subside over time. Some injections include a local anesthetic, which is used to numb the nerves and reduce pain. Unique underlying conditions, personal responses, pain thresholds, and muscle use make each case different. Consult your doctor to tailor the injections to your needs.
What Aftercare Is Needed?
Trigger point injections have minimal aftercare because the treatment does not involve invasive procedures. You can resume normal activities the same day, but avoid overworking your muscles and the injured area. Use heat or ice to enhance comfort, and clean and cover the injection area to protect it from contaminants. Contact your doctor if pain returns after the treatment to determine if additional injections are necessary.
Speak To A Back Doctor Today
Back pain conditions can be treated using trigger point injections featuring steroids, anesthetics, or platelet-rich plasma. Consult a doctor to determine if you need alternative treatments like Viscosupplementation for arthritis. Muscle and joint pain require comprehensive assessment and treatment, especially if the discomfort stems from spinal issues. Speak to a back doctor today to learn more about trigger point injections, PRP, and other pain treatments for the back and spine.
