Trigger point injections (TPIs) are an option for treating
muscle pain in some patients. This procedure is used to treat areas of muscles
that contain trigger points, which are knots of muscle that form when muscles
do not relax. This can be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive
motion or a muscle injury, common in myofascial pain syndrome. Sometimes these
knots can be felt just below the skin. These trigger points are tender and can
irritate the nerves around them resulting in pain that radiates and can be felt
in other parts of your body.
The Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Process
According to WebMD.com,
during the trigger point injection (TPI) process, the health care professional
inserts a small needle into the individual’s trigger point. This injection
contains a local anesthetic or saline. Once injected, the trigger point is
inactive and the pain goes away. The injections are given in a doctor’s office
and many times several trigger points are injected during one visit. After the
injection a bandage is placed over the site, and if this area is painful, it is
recommended that ice, heat, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen be used for
the soreness. Generally it takes several sessions to achieve a lengthy relief
from the pain.
When to Use Trigger Point Injections?
TPIs are used to treat various muscles, but especially those
in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. TPI is oftentimes used to treat the
pain associated with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain affecting all areas of an
individual’s body, and tension headaches. It is also used to treat myofascial
pain syndrome, a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue
that covers the muscles), when other treatments have failed to provide relief.
The effectiveness of TPIs in regards to myofascial pain syndrome is still being
studied.
Trigger point injections are used to treat knots of muscle
that form when muscles do not relax, commonly known as trigger points. This can
be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive motion or a muscle injury,
common in myofascial pain syndrome. Injections are normally given in a doctor’s
office and more than one site may be injected during a single visit. It may
take several sessions to achieve prolonged relief from your pain.
