Innovative Treatments
Paraspinal/Myofascial Trigger Point Injections
When the muscle or tissue develops a tight knot within them, a trigger point is created. These are sore and painful to the touch and can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. It is also not uncommon for this condition to cause muscle spasms and twitches, weakening the body. Trigger points can occur almost anywhere on the body, but more commonly appear on the buttocks, back, and neck.
Types of Trigger Points
There are two main types of trigger points — latent and active. Latent trigger points may only cause pain when pressure is applied, but they cause muscle weakness and stiffness. Active trigger points cause muscle weakness and stiffness while being painful without the need of pressure — they can even cause pain while a person is sleeping, making them particularly troublesome.
Causes of Trigger Points
Trigger points are often caused by some other related injury or ailment. As such, myofascial trigger point injections usually occur to help patients gain pain relief and more mobility in their muscles in order to perform physiotherapy, exercise therapy, or a rehabilitation program. Common causes include:
- Acute injuries
- Chronic muscle clenching
- Inactivity
- Wear and tear from everyday activities
- Poor posture and body mechanics
- Continuous overuse of muscles
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is very simple and is done as an outpatient procedure. Our specialist will locate the trigger point and clean the overlying skin. The needle is then guided into the underlying muscle or tissue, and once the target is located, the medicine — consisting of long-acting anesthesia and occasionally an anti-inflammatory agent — is injected. After a brief moment of stretching the muscle, the patient is free to go. The injection allows for relief of pain and recovery of mobility for several days, weeks, or longer.
Risks and Side Effects
Although not common, there are some reports of complications and side effects. These are typically temporary but there are some rare cases where they can become serious:
- Allergic reaction
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Nerve damage
Reducing Your Risk
These risks can be reduced by speaking with our specialists about relevant information:
- Sharing any allergies you may have with the doctor
- Informing the doctor if you are nursing or pregnant
- Contacting the doctor immediately after any signs of bleeding, fever, or increased pain
- Following after-procedure instructions exactly
- Following lifestyle change recommendations exactly
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Our specialists at Progressive Pain & Rehabilitation are here to help you find the right treatment plan.
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