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At NovaSpine Pain Institute, we are dedicated to providing effective pain management solutions tailored to your individual needs. One such solution is trigger point injections, a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve muscle pain and discomfort caused by trigger points—tight knots in muscles that can lead to localized pain and referred pain in other areas.

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that can cause pain, stiffness, and tension. They often result from muscle overuse, injury, or stress. Trigger points can contribute to conditions such as:

• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Tension headaches
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Sciatica

Trigger point injections involve delivering medication directly into these areas to alleviate pain and promote healing.

The injection typically contains a local anesthetic, which provides immediate relief, and may also include a corticosteroid or saline solution to reduce inflammation and facilitate healing. By targeting the trigger points, the injections help relax the muscle, decrease tension, and improve blood flow to the affected area.

1. Preparation: During your initial consultation, our specialists will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and identify the specific trigger points. Imaging studies are typically not required for this procedure, as the diagnosis is primarily clinical.

2. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic may be applied to the skin at the injection site to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

3. Injection: Using palpation to locate the trigger point, the physician will insert a thin needle directly into the affected muscle. The medication will be injected into the trigger point.

4. Recovery: After the injection, you will be monitored for a short time. Most patients can return to their normal activities right away, although some may experience mild soreness at the injection site.

• Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant relief from muscle pain and discomfort, allowing them to return to daily activities with improved functionality.

• Minimally Invasive: Trigger point injections are non-surgical and typically involve less risk and shorter recovery times compared to more invasive procedures.

• Targeted Approach: The injections specifically target painful areas, leading to focused relief and improved muscle function.

• Quick Procedure: The entire process is generally quick, often taking only a few minutes per injection site.

Following a trigger point injection, you may experience:

• Follow-Up Care: Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and discuss additional treatments if necessary.

• Initial Discomfort: Some soreness at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days.

• Variable Pain Relief: Pain relief may occur immediately or may take a few days to develop. The duration of relief can vary, with many patients experiencing benefits for weeks to months.

While trigger point injections are generally safe, potential risks and side effects may include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Allergic reactions to the medication
• Temporary increases in pain
• Rarely, nerve injury

Our specialists will discuss these risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with the treatment.

• Expert Care: Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience in performing trigger point injections and managing various pain conditions.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize that each patient’s experience with pain is unique, and our treatment plans are tailored to meet your specific needs.

• Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis to recovery, our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your treatment journey.

If you are struggling with muscle pain and considering trigger point injections as a treatment option, contact NovaSpine Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore your options and find a path to lasting relief. Let us work together to help you regain control of your life.