Trigger Point Injections
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida
What Is a Trigger Point Injection?
A trigger point is a tight, painful “knot” of muscle fiber. It can form where a muscle is strained or injured. The knot can sometimes be felt under the skin and is very tender to the touch. Pain may also spread to other parts of the affected muscle. Muscles around a knee, shoulder blade or other bones are prone to trigger points. This is because these muscles are more likely to be injured.
A Trigger Point injection puts a local anesthetic into the knotted muscle, relaxing it.As the muscle relaxes, the pain eases. Relaxing the muscle can also make movement easier. This allows the patient to be able to exercise or do physical therapy to strengthen the muscle and help it heal.
How is a Trigger Point Injection Performed?
Trigger point injections are performed in a comfortable room in our office. The patient sits in a chair or lies on an exam table so the doctor can reach the affected muscle. The doctor will feel and stretch the muscle to find the exact spot of the trigger point.Once the trigger point is located, it is injected with Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which numbs that area of the muscle.
The muscle may have one or more trigger points, so each trigger point will be injected.Several injections may be needed in each trigger point to achieve the best pain relief. These injections may be given 1 to 2 weeks apart. In some cases, patients may not feel much change in symptoms until after the third injection.
After treatment, the injection site may be sore for a day or so. Put ice or heat on the treated sites as instructed by the doctor. If additional pain relief is needed, ask the doctor which medications are safe to use. Most patients can return to work the same day.Being active helps the muscles heal. Your doctor may suggest exercising and may also prescribe physical therapy. Stretch and strengthen your muscles and practice good posture. This helps keep muscle pain or spasms from returning.
Potential Side Effects or Complications of a Trigger Point Injection
As with any procedure, there is the potential risk for side effects or complications.Risks and complications are very rare, but may include:
- Infection, Bleeding, Lung puncture, Nerve damage
- Call the doctor’s office if you experience increased pain, a fever over 101°, chills or drainage at the treated site.
If you have any questions about the potential side effects of having a trigger point injection, we would be happy to discuss any concern you may have.
If you continue to suffer with chronic pain and would like to explore if trigger point injections are an appropraite treatment option, contact Dr. Lox for an appointment at 727-462-5582. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, and the Florida Spine Center serve patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as all of Florida and the US.
All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.