Chronic pain can be debilitating and hurt your quality of life. One type of pain often overlooked is myofascial pain, caused by trigger points or knots in the muscles. These trigger points can cause pain and stiffness and even affect your range of motion. 

If you’ve been living with myofascial pain and haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, it may be time to consider trigger point injection therapy. This innovative treatment involves injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point, which can provide almost immediate relief. 

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of trigger point injection therapy and why it’s worth a shot for anyone suffering from myofascial pain. So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to chronic pain and improve your quality of life, keep reading to learn more about this effective treatment option.

Understanding Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic disorder affecting muscles and soft tissues. MPS is the development of trigger points, hyper-irritable nodules, or knots in the muscle tissue.

These trigger points can cause pain and stiffness and even affect your range of motion. MPS can occur in any muscle in the body, but it’s most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

Various factors, including poor posture, repetitive motions, and injuries, can cause MPS. It’s also more common in people who are stressed, tired, or sedentary.

MPS can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Causes

The exact cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to the development of trigger points. These include:

Poor Posture

• Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods can cause muscle fatigue and tension, leading to the development of trigger points.

Repetitive Motions

• Repetitive motions can cause muscle strain and tension, leading to trigger point development. Examples of activities that might cause or aggravate MFS are typing and playing an instrument.

Injuries

• Injuries, such as whiplash or muscle strains, can cause muscle damage and inflammation, leading to the development of trigger points.

Stress

• Stress can cause muscle tension and fatigue, leading to trigger point development.

Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can vary depending on the location and severity of the trigger points. Common symptoms include:

Pain

• The most common symptom of MPS is pain, ranging from mild to severe. Sufferers often describe it as a deep, aching, or burning sensation.

Stiffness

• Stiffness is another common symptom of MPS. The affected muscles may feel tight and difficult to move.

Weakness

• In some cases, trigger points can cause muscle weakness or a loss of range of motion.

Fatigue

• MPS can cause fatigue and a general feeling of malaise.

Sleep Disturbances

• Some people with MPS may have difficulty sleeping due to pain and discomfort.

How Trigger Point Injection Therapy Works

Trigger point injection therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point. The drug, usually a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid, alleviates pain and inflammation in the affected area.

During the procedure, the healthcare provider will locate the trigger point by palpating the area. When they find the trigger point, they insert a small needle into the tissue, injecting the medication. The injection may cause a temporary pain or pressure sensation, but most people find the procedure relatively painless.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injection Therapy

Trigger point injection therapy has several benefits for people with myofascial pain syndrome. These include:

Immediate Relief

• One of the most significant benefits of trigger point injection therapy is that it can provide almost immediate relief from pain and discomfort.

Improved Range of Motion

• Trigger point injection therapy can improve the range of motion and flexibility by reducing pain and stiffness in the affected muscles.

Minimally Invasive

• Trigger point injection therapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed as an outpatient.

Fewer Side Effects

• Because the medication is injected directly into the affected area, there are fewer side effects than with oral medications.

Long-Lasting Results

• Many people experience long-lasting relief from trigger point injection therapy, which can reduce the need for ongoing pain management.

What to Expect During a Trigger Point Injection Session

Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and take a medical history to ensure that trigger point injection therapy is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.

The practitioner will ask you to lie on a table during the procedure. They will locate the trigger point, clean the area with antiseptic, insert the needle, and inject the medication. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes.

After the procedure, you may experience some mild soreness or bruising at the injection site. You should avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the procedure to allow the medication to take effect.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Trigger Point Injection Therapy?

Trigger point injection therapy is generally safe for most people with myofascial pain syndrome. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for trigger point injection therapy if:

• You are allergic to any of the medications used in the procedure.

• You have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications.

• You have an active infection or skin condition in the injection area.

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Risks & Side Effects of Trigger Point Injection Therapy

Trigger point injection therapy is generally considered safe and has few side effects. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks to be aware of. These include:

Pain or Discomfort at the Injection Site

• It’s common to experience mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site after the procedure.

Infection

• There is a small risk of infection at the injection site, although this is rare.

Allergic Reaction

• In rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to the medication used in the procedure.

Bleeding or Bruising

• There is a small risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trigger Point Injection Therapy

How many injections will I need?

The number of injections needed depends on the location and severity of the trigger points. Some people only need one injection, while others require multiple injections.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.

How long will the effects of the injection last?

The effects of the injection can vary depending on the location and severity of the trigger points. Some people may experience long-lasting relief, while others may require additional injections.

Is Trigger Point Injection Therapy Right for You?

If you’re living with myofascial pain syndrome and haven’t found relief from traditional treatments, trigger point injection therapy may be worth considering. This minimally invasive procedure can provide almost immediate relief from pain and stiffness with few side effects. 

Consult with Dr. Eric Cerré to see if you have myofascial pain. We offer trigger point injection therapy at an affordable price.