Pointing Out Pain
At some point in time, aches, sprains, strains, and even tears or fractures can happen. Some pain is acute, happening from a sudden fall, collision, or accident. Others are gradual due to conditions like arthritis. Trigger point pains are not talked about as much as other types of pain. However, a trigger point is the number one cause of muscular pain. With pain of any sort, managing the symptoms is key to recovery and a better quality of life. Today, pain management options are numerous, but a trigger point injection may be the best for this type of muscular pain.
All on the trigger
What are trigger points anyway? Trigger points are often called muscle knots or myofascial trigger points. These hyperirritable spots can happen almost anywhere and at any time. Some experts believe that trigger points contribute to some of the most common chronic pain conditions known. Muscles are essentially long bands of tough fibers. Sometimes, these fibers can develop a knot or nodule, similar to the knot in a rope. Painful trigger points can develop if the muscles constantly contract around these spots.
How trigger points form
Most trigger points happen due to repetitive stress near or around the muscle. Some doctors believe trigger points form due to constant pressure on another part of the body. Common causes include sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, repetitive stress injuries, and whiplash from car accidents. Trigger points form in the shoulder, neck, lower back, arms, and legs. These knots can also create referred pain, which is a pain in another part of the body. Over time, the pain and discomfort may impact the quality of life.
Treating your trigger point
When trigger points flare up, the goal is to reduce the tension and inflammation as soon as possible. Sometimes, this can happen after prolonged sitting, standing, or physical activity. Ice packs on the impacted spot can help with swelling and soothe aching muscles. Massage therapy is another effective way to reduce discomfort. Using these steps and anti-inflammatory medication and rest can help most trigger points.
Time for TPI
If the knot continues to cause pain and discomfort, see a doctor immediately. The doctor can try a trigger point injection (TPI). Trigger point injections are simple outpatient procedures that can reduce pain. To perform a TPI, the doctor will feel the affected body part for the knot. The doctor will then inject a tiny needle that contains a saline solution, anesthetic, and sometimes a cortisone steroid. If there are several trigger points, the patient will need multiple TPIs. There should be significant relief within a few days, though some patients feel relief in hours.
Put trigger points to bed
The pain from a trigger point can impact the quality of life. Using simple pain management techniques can help. If these fail, a doctor can use a trigger point injection. Medication in the affected points can bring much-needed relief. Continued massage therapy and exercise can improve the effectiveness of the TPI. Speak with a doctor to see if a trigger point injection can ease those pesky knots.
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“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“Dr. Best…is the best!”
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
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“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
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“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
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