What Are Trigger Points?

Home » Whiplash » What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger Point Injections 602-456-7252

What medicine is used in a trigger point injection?

A trigger point injection (TPI) is an injection that is given directly into the trigger point for pain management. The injection may be an anesthetic such as lidocaine (Xylocaine) or bupivacaine (Marcaine), a mixture of anesthetics, or a corticosteroid (cortisone medication) alone or mixed with lidocaine.

How long does it take for trigger point injections to work?

After TPIs some patients will experience immediate relief, however, it usually takes 24 to 72 hours for the effects of the steroid medication to take effect and it may be up to 1 week before the maximum benefits are achieved. Trigger injections target the pain being caused by muscular problems.

How much does a trigger point injection cost?

 On MDsave, the cost of a Trigger Point/Tendon Injections ranges from $354 to $561.

How do you give a trigger point injection?

Your doctor will press on your muscle to locate the area where you have pain. Then, he or she will insert a small needle into the area and inject a mixture of anesthetic and steroid. You can have several trigger points injected during one visit to your doctor’s office. The procedure only takes a few minutes.

Does Whiplash Cause Trigger Points?

Another important source of deep tissue nociception is active myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the neck and shoulder muscles, which are a primary source of pain following whiplash injury as has been shown for other widespread pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.

How often can I get trigger point injections?

Initially, the injections may be performed every one or two weeks for several weeks but are usually limited to one session every two months if they are performed as maintenance treatment.

What do you do after trigger point injections?

Self-care for trigger points: Stay active after you have trigger point injections. Gently move your joints through their full range of motion during the first week. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 or 4 days. Do regular stretches of the trigger point muscle.

Do trigger point injections make you gain weight?

 Patients can opt for pain relieving trigger point injections as alternative to medication and typically do not gain weight.

What are the side effects of trigger point injections?

The most common side effects are temporary pain and numbness at the injection site. Infection and bleeding may occur at the injection site, but this can be avoided by cleaning the site before injection and applying pressure to the site after injection. Patients may also experience light-headedness after injections.

Why are trigger points so painful?

Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by a stimulus, such as muscle tightness, that sets off trigger points in your muscles. Factors that may increase your risk of muscle trigger points include: Muscle injury. An acute muscle injury or continual muscle stress may lead to the development of trigger points.

Are trigger point injections covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover trigger point injections as long as you have a history of trying NSAID’s and physical therapy first. We will verify your insurance coverage and review it with you prior to the procedure.

What does it feel like when a trigger point is released?

It causes the muscle in which it’s located to be weak and due to the taut bands, to have limited flexibility. The active trigger point referral symptom may feel like a dull ache, deep, pressing pain, burning, or a sensation of numbness and fatigue. It can also cause sweating, tearing of eyes, goosebumps and dizziness.

Can you drive after trigger point injections?

Trigger Point injection patients must not drive afterwards so you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. Usually your pain will improve in the first few hours after the injection of local anesthetic. Your pain may return after the local anesthetic has worn off and there may be some additional soreness as a result of the injection.

Does a trigger point injection hurt?

A trigger point is a knot in your muscle that doesn’t relax and is very sensitive to touch. Trigger points can also cause muscle spasms (twitches) or a feeling of tightness. When pressure is applied to the trigger point, you will feel some pain in that area. The injections usually sting slightly but there typically is immediate pain relief from the trigger point injection.

How does trigger point injection work?

 In the TPI procedure, a health care professional inserts a small needle into the patient’s trigger point. The injection contains a local anesthetic or saline and may include a corticosteroid. With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive and the pain is alleviated.

Do muscle relaxers help trigger points?

During intense flare-ups a short course of anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers may be helpful. Dry needling, and/or trigger point injections can be performed in an office setting to decrease muscle spasm. Note that caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and have been found to irritate the muscles.

Can trigger points go away on their own?

No one really knows why a trigger point would ever go away, or why it would stop once it’s started. Fortunately, they often do go away. But they often don’t! … While the injury heals, trigger point pain typically overstays its welcome.

Can trigger points cause muscle spasms?

An acute muscle injury or continual muscle stress may lead to the development of trigger points. For example, a spot within or near a strained muscle may become a trigger point and the newly formed Trigger point will result in muscle spasm.

Can Trigger point injections cause insomnia?

Possible side effects Steroid medications may cause facial flushing, occasional low-grade fevers, hiccups, insomnia, headaches, water retention, increased appetite, increased heart rate, and abdominal cramping or bloating.

Call Now 602-456-7252

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Translate »
Skip to content