If you live with chronic back pain, stiffness and tight muscles, trigger points may be part of the problem. Trigger point injections are one treatment option, and they are given by medical doctors and other licensed medical providers. Aligned Integrated Health does not perform injections in the clinic. Dr. Dan can examine the muscles and joints involved, treat what chiropractic care and massage therapy can address, and refer you to a trusted doctor when an injection makes sense.
What Are Trigger Points & How Do They Cause Back Pain?
Trigger points are an accumulation of scar tissue and lactic acid deep in the muscles after an injury or overuse. When a trigger point develops, it can cause strain, pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. Without treatment, trigger point pain can progress into myofascial pain syndrome.
Over time, trigger point pain can affect every element of your life, making it hard to eat, sleep, exercise, work, and take part in your day-to-day activities and hobbies. New research suggests that trigger point pain and myofascial pain syndrome can contribute to fibromyalgia.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
A trigger point injection is a medical procedure for the pain, tightness and stiffness associated with trigger points. It is performed by a physician or other licensed medical provider, and uses a local anesthetic that may be combined with a corticosteroid to further enhance its effects.
What Happens During a Trigger Point Injection?
Knowing what to expect during a trigger point injection will help you prepare. The provider will typically have you lie down on an exam table, cleanse the skin and mark the injection site.
Next, they stabilize the tissue and insert a thin needle into the trigger point. You may feel the muscle twitch or briefly spasm as it releases. A local anesthetic is then injected into the area.
Is a Trigger Point Injection Right for You?
Don’t let back pain keep you from the activities you enjoy. At Aligned Integrated Health, Dr. Dan starts with a full exam to find what is driving your pain. Many patients with tight, knotted muscles do well with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy and corrective exercise. When an injection is the better fit, he refers you to a trusted doctor who performs them, and he can keep caring for your spine and joints alongside that treatment.
If you’re ready to get to the bottom of your back pain, call us today at (480) 661-1977 to schedule an appointment.