Trigger Point Injections Specialist

What are trigger point injections?

A trigger point injection uses a mixture of anesthesia and steroids to ease muscle pain affecting your neck, lower back, arms, or legs. Trigger points are areas of tight or knotted muscles. They occur when your muscles are unable to relax, resulting in pain and stiffness. 

Once administered, the medication in a trigger point injection enters your body to relieve muscle tightness. It also eases inflammation and encourages circulation. Combined, these factors can provide significant relief for weeks or even months at a time. 

What conditions can trigger point injections treat?

The caring team at Gulf Coast Internists regularly uses trigger point injections to address a wide-variety of conditions, including:

• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Poor posture
• Muscle injuries
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches

The team also uses trigger point injections to relieve muscle tightness caused by repetitive use or muscle trauma that occurs as a result of playing sports or participating in physical activity.

What happens during a trigger point injection appointment?

On the day of your trigger point injection appointment, you sit or lie down on an exam table. Next, your Gulf Coast Internists provider gently presses on your muscles to locate the source of your pain.

After pinpointing the location, your provider inserts a small needle into your skin and releases a combination of anesthetic medication and steroids. Depending on the cause of your pain, your provider might recommend a series of trigger point injections. Usually, the procedure takes 20-30 minutes. 

Are trigger point injections safe?

Trigger point injections are safe and well-tolerated, but there are risks involved. Because the treatment involves a needle, you might experience bleeding, swelling, or infection at the injection site. Make sure to follow your provider’s recovery instructions carefully. Complications are rare, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Am I a good candidate for treatment with trigger point injections?

Only a qualified medical professional, like those at Gulf Coast Internists, can determine if you’re a good candidate for trigger point injections. That said, if you regularly experience muscle pain, and it doesn’t respond to treatments like over-the-counter pain medication or physical therapy, you’ll probably benefit. 

Take the first step toward a pain free life today and make an appointment at Gulf Coast Internists by calling the office nearest you or booking online today.