Chronic muscle pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your daily activities and causing discomfort. If you're struggling with muscle pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, or lower back, trigger point injections may offer a solution.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a medical procedure designed to relieve muscle pain caused by tight, painful knots known as "trigger points." These trigger points form when muscles fail to relax, and they can result from injuries, poor posture, or stress. Often found in the neck, shoulders, or lower back, trigger points may cause referred pain, meaning the discomfort extends to other parts of the body.
Above are common trigger points in the shoulder and back regions.
A trigger point injection involves injecting a small amount of medication, typically a local anaesthetic, saline, or corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point. This helps to release the muscle tension and alleviate the pain.
What Is The Purpose of Trigger Point Injections?
The primary goal of trigger point injections is to reduce muscle pain and improve mobility. They are particularly useful for patients with chronic pain conditions such as:
Chronic back pain is sometimes cause by spasms of certain trigger points.
For many individuals, trigger point injections provide immediate pain relief and contribute to longer-term muscle relaxation. In some cases, these injections are part of a broader treatment plan that includes physical therapy or other pain management strategies.
What Are the Types of Trigger Point Injections?
There are different types of trigger point injections depending on the medication used. The most common types include:
Local Anaesthetic: Lidocaine or bupivacaine is often injected into the trigger point to numb the area and provide pain relief. This type of injection is typically used for immediate, short-term relief.
Corticosteroids: For patients with inflammation, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling and pain in the affected muscle area. These are often recommended for individuals with more persistent pain.
Dry Needling: This involves inserting a needle into the trigger point without injecting medication. The needle itself stimulates the muscle to relax and helps reduce pain.
Each type of injection has its specific purpose, and your healthcare provider will determine which is most appropriate based on your individual condition and pain level.
What Are the Benefits or Risks of Trigger Point Injections?
Benefits
Immediate pain relief: Many patients experience relief soon after the injection, allowing them to return to normal activities.
Improved muscle function: As the muscle knots relax, mobility often improves, and stiffness decreases.
Minimal downtime: The procedure is quick, usually taking just a few minutes, with little to no recovery time required.
Complementary treatment: Trigger point injections can be combined with other treatments such as physiotherapy for more comprehensive pain management.
Risks
While trigger point injections are generally safe, there are potential risks to be aware of:
Infection: As with any injection, there is a minor risk of infection at the injection site.
Bruising or bleeding: Some patients may experience mild bruising or bleeding where the injection was administered.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction to the medication used in the injection.
Temporary increase in pain: In some cases, the pain may temporarily worsen before it gets better.
Your doctor will discuss these risks with you to ensure you make an informed decision about the procedure.
How Do Trigger Point Injections Work? What Do I Need to Prepare?
Trigger point injections work by relaxing the affected muscle and reducing pain signals sent to the brain. The medication helps to disrupt the pain cycle, allowing the muscle to return to its normal state.
A common site for trigger point injections are shoulders, due to pain caused by poor posture at work or strain during exercise.
Preparation for the procedure is minimal. However, your healthcare provider may advise you to:
Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or certain supplements before the procedure.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated.
It’s also essential to inform your doctor of any allergies, current medications, or medical conditions you may have to ensure the procedure is safe for you.
What Should I Expect During and After Trigger Point Injections?
During the procedure:
The injection site will be cleaned and sterilised.
Your doctor will locate the trigger point by feeling for the tight, tender area in the muscle.
A small needle will be inserted into the trigger point, and the medication will be injected. You may feel slight pressure or discomfort during this process, but the injection is usually quick.
After the procedure:
You can expect relief from muscle pain within minutes or hours, depending on the type of injection.
Some patients may experience soreness at the injection site for a day or two, but this typically subsides quickly.
Depending on your response to the injection, your doctor may recommend a series of injections over time for long-lasting relief.
If you experience any unusual symptoms such as swelling, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.If you’re experiencing persistent muscle pain, it's essential to seek advice from an experienced healthcare provider. Schedule a consultation with Dr Charles Siow to explore whether trigger point injections are the right option for you.
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MT ALVERNIA HOSPITAL
820 Thomson Road #08-59 Medical Centre D Singapore 574623
