Trigger Point Injections

From: Jean Long (creative@enter.net)
Tue May 22 20:05:47 2001


What are trigger points?

Trigger points are very tender areas within muscles, muscle linings or tendon junctions. They feel like firm knots or bands and can irritate nerves in the area. When pressure is applied to a trigger point, the pain may be felt far from the site. Trigger points may occur due to excessive or repetitive physical activity, fatigue or trauma. Once they develop, they can recur with exertion or inactivity of the muscle, overstretching, exposure to cold or damp weather, or psychologically stressful situations.

What are trigger point injections?

Local anesthetic, often combined with an anti-inflammatory steroid, is injected directly into the muscle where the trigger point is located. These medicines reduce pain, relieve irritation of surrounding nerves and help break the cycle of pain. The injections may be augmented by massage using an ice spray to relax and stretch the muscle.

Most people describe the procedure as somewhat uncomfortable. A very fine needle is used and the area is numbed during the procedure. You will be fully awake during the injection; however, some physicians will offer sedation before the procedure, if needed.

How effective are these injections?

Every person is different, but most people report pain relief and increased mobility after treatment. Often the doctor will recommend combining other treatments with these injections to improve pain relief and reduce the risk of recurrence.

JEAN

Thought for the day: "Actions speak louder than Words"


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