What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections

What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections

Muscle pain can develop for many reasons, most of which resolve after resting for a few days. However, this is not always the case. Some people suffer from chronic or persistent muscle pain that needs medical attention. These pains can have a devastating impact on your quality of life and ability to function. Fortunately, trigger point injections provide relief if you have chronic muscle pain.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections address persistent muscle pain. The trigger points comprise sensitive fiber bundles in your muscles. Trigger point injection treatment entails the injection of pain medication directly into them. Your doctor at Ogden Wellness Center will determine the appropriate medication. This is often based on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Some of the injections include:

Corticosteroid – It decreases inflammation in the affected muscle and tissues surrounding the nerve.

Local Anesthetic – Helps reduce pain by blocking pain receptors. Lidocaine is an example.

Botox – It prevents muscle contractions by interfering with nerve-signaling pathways.

The doctor identifies the trigger point and administers the injection.

What to Expect After the Treatment

Optimally, you can expect significant pain relief and an improved range of motion. You will also experience the elimination of the trigger point in the muscles. Yet, trigger point injections affect people differently. Some may experience instant pain relief while others wait for days or weeks. Some patients may report slight pain or soreness after receiving the treatment, but it should clear up after a few days.

In rare cases, some patients do not respond to the treatment. In one study, most participants experienced pain relief two years after the treatment. Others got an additional injection, while others did not respond to the treatment. Overall, the treatment was effective and safe.

Side Effects of the Treatment

The treatment can cause different long-term and immediate side effects. They include:

 

• Dizziness or light-headedness.
   

• Dimpling or discoloration of the skin near the target area.
   

• Temporary pain and numbness around the treatment site.
   

• Bleeding.

Additionally, anesthetic-based injections can result in severe muscle damage known as myonecrosis. However, this should recede within three to four weeks. If these side effects persist after a few weeks, consult your doctor.

Risks of Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are often safe and rarely result in serious complications. But they can cause:

 

• Bruising.
   

• Infection at the point of injection.
   

• Nerve or muscle damage.

In rare cases, gas or air may accumulate within the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It can lead to the collapse of one or both of your lungs. Your doctor can use ultrasound imaging to minimize the risk of serious complications.

Trigger point injections are a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions. These include tension-type headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Consult your specialist before and after the treatment. It is essential to be cautious when considering any medical procedure.

For more on trigger point injections, visit Ogden Wellness Center at our Ogden, Utah office. Call (801) 406-3949 today to schedule an appointment.