When your muscles become a source of pain a nodule or band may be felt by pressing the skin over the muscle. This nodule or band when pressed causes pain that radiates to another part of the body — these areas are called trigger points. These small, tender knots can form in muscles or in the fascia (the soft, stretchy connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). This outpatient procedure is designed to reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points. By injecting several of these trigger points they can be “released” providing pain relief. The trigger point injection procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.
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If you suffer from myofascial pain syndrome and would like additional information on this painful condition, please review our myofascial pain syndrome article. If you are interested in or scheduled for a trigger point injection and would like additional information on this interventional procedure, please review the video and frequently asked questions below. Additionally, if you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to discuss them with your physician.
Trigger Point Injection FAQ
Taut muscle bands can be felt by pressing the skin over the muscle. When pressed, pain may radiated to another part of the body -- these areas are called trigger points.
Trigger points primarily treat pain arising from the muscles and muscle spasms, but may be used for other conditions.
This procedure is done at bedside by feeling for taut muscle bands or nodules – called trigger points. Once identified local anesthetics and sometimes a potent long-lasting anti-inflammatory pain medication (steroid) is injected into the trigger point.
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