According to the CDC, about 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain, which can adversely affect their physical and mental health. Suppose you can’t enjoy a fulfilling life due to chronic pain, and sadly, all pain management therapies you’ve tried don’t seem to offer lasting relief. It might be time to try a trigger point injection with a reputable pain management doctor in New Jersey.
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about trigger point injections and their numerous benefits; see if they could be a good treatment option for you.
What Is a Trigger Point Injection for Pain Relief?
Trigger point injections are a pain management therapy that entails administering medication directly to trigger points in your body. They help your muscles relax, promoting pain relief and comfort.
You can use TPIs to treat a wide range of pain conditions in various parts of your body. This may include lower back pain, neck pain, and even pain resulting from tense muscles.
Here’s how a trigger point injection procedure works:
- Your pain specialist will cleanse the skin around the painful area with an alcohol pad before marking the trigger point with a skin marker.
- After identifying the trigger point by feeling it, your healthcare provider will pinch the point between their fingers to stabilize the tissue. You may feel some discomfort.
- Next, the specialist inserts a small needle connected to a syringe into the trigger point and repeatedly retracts and inserts the needle without completely removing it from your skin or muscle. You might feel muscle twitch or spasm, and your provider will continue the motion in various directions until the muscle twitching stops or until your muscle feels properly relaxed.
- Your pain specialist will then inject the affected area with a local anesthetic.
After the trigger point injection procedure, you can safely go home.
Advantages of Trigger Point Injections
This versatile, non-surgical procedure has numerous benefits. Here are just a few.
Pain Relief
Trigger point injections can effectively reduce your pain. Whether it’s pain from poor posture, injured muscles,an exercise regime, or any other cause, TPI can help you return to your normal, healthy lifestyle.
According to a 2019 study on the effects of these injections in individuals with abdominal muscle pain, published in PubMed, the participants experienced significant reductions in pain two years after the initial injection.
Low Risk
TPIs are safe and effective, and you shouldn’t worry about any serious side effects. You might experience discomfort or soreness at the injection spot, but this should subside a few hours after the procedure.
Since TPIs are a non-surgical procedure, you won’t need to worry about large incisions that may cause severe pain or increase the risk of infection.
Versatile
Trigger point injections can relieve various conditions. Whether you’re struggling with myofascial pain syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, or any other pain, these injections can help.
Short Recovery Period
Since this treatment only involves injections and no incisions, it requires zero downtime post-treatment. That means you can return home immediately after receiving your injections and go about your daily life. You’ll often start experiencing the positive effects of the treatment almost immediately.
FAQs
How long do the effects of trigger point injections last?
The effects of trigger point injections last between a few days and several months, depending on your condition and medication injected.
What should you expect after receiving your trigger point injections?
After receiving your trigger point injections, you can go home and safely perform your daily activities. You may experience discomfort, which often disappears within a few hours or days.
Do trigger point injections have any side effects?
Trigger point injections may have some side effects, including discomfort around the treatment area, fatigue, bruising, bleeding, and dizziness.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to see if we can help with trigger point injections. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
If you’re struggling with back or leg pain, you might be a good candidate for an epidural steroid injection. Call us at (732) 720-0247 to book an appointment today!
