During your appointment, we will locate the area where you are experiencing pain and inject small amounts of anesthetic and steroid to help alleviate your symptoms.
This procedure is safe and the risk of possible complications is very low. You may experience soreness or numbness at the injection site for a temporary period of time. While you should avoid strenuous activity for a few days, you should be able to actively use your muscles immediately following treatment.
For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at (509) 927-2227.
Trigger point injections are a medical procedure used to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with trigger points, which are small, tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that can form within muscles. These trigger points can be palpable and are often tender to touch. They can cause localized or referred pain, muscle stiffness, and restricted range of motion. Here’s an explanation of trigger point injections and how they are typically performed:
Identification of Trigger Points:
Prior to administering trigger point injections, a healthcare provider, often a physician or a pain specialist, identifies the trigger points through physical examination and palpation. The examination helps locate the specific areas of muscle tenderness and tension.
Preparation and Anesthesia:
The patient is positioned comfortably, exposing the area where the trigger points are identified.
The skin overlying the trigger point area is cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is often used to numb the skin and deeper tissues, reducing any discomfort associated with the injection.
Injection Procedure:
Using a fine needle, the healthcare provider injects a therapeutic substance into the trigger point. The substance injected can vary and typically includes:
Local Anesthetic: Provides immediate pain relief by numbing the area.
Steroid (Corticosteroid): Helps reduce inflammation and provides longer-term pain relief.
Saline or Normal Saline: Sometimes used to flush the area and break up the trigger point.
Action and Effectiveness:
The injected substances work to relax and relieve the tension within the trigger point, helping to reduce muscle spasm and alleviate pain. The goal is to interrupt the pain cycle, promote healing, and improve muscle function and flexibility.
Post-Injection Care:
After the injection, the patient may be observed for a short period to ensure there are no adverse reactions to the injection. Ice may be applied to the injection site to reduce any local soreness or swelling.
Follow-Up and Additional Injections:
Depending on the response to the injection, patients may require a series of injections over time for optimal pain relief. A comprehensive treatment plan may include physical therapy, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications to address the underlying causes of trigger points and prevent their recurrence.
Trigger point injections can be an effective treatment for managing localized muscle pain and discomfort associated with trigger points. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this procedure is suitable for your specific condition and symptoms.