Trigger Point Injections Questions and Answers

If you are experiencing chronic muscle pain, trigger point injections may be what you need to find relief. Our medical professionals at Coastal Medical Integration in Gulf Breeze, FL can help provide the pain relief you need. For more information, call us today or request an appointment online.

Trigger Point Injections Near Me in Gulf Breeze, FL What are trigger points?

Trigger points can be described best as a point or spot in a muscle that refers a sensation – pain or weakness. Consider them like painful knots in your muscles and they form when a muscle can’t relax. You might feel these knots when you rub your muscle.

Trigger points are common and can occur in any muscle of the body. Those that experience trigger points often report constant pain that results in decreased range of motion in that muscle, and the most common muscles affected are in the neck and head area, which may lead to a number of symptoms, like headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ear, and even eye pain.

Causes of trigger points include a recent or long-term injury, poor posture over long periods of time, lack of exercise, sleep disturbances, vitamin deficiencies, or work-related or recreational activities that cause repetitive stress.

What is a trigger point injection?

A trigger point injection is what helps soothe muscle pain, especially in your neck, lower back, legs, and arms. Trigger point injections may also be used to help treat tension headaches, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain. The injections, which involve a small needle, are normally performed with small amounts of anesthetic and saline in the trigger point, which can help alleviate pain. The procedure only takes a few minutes. You can also have several trigger points injected during one visit with your doctor. The big benefits with trigger point injections include pain relief, increased energy, emotional release, and loosening of tight areas.

Is trigger point injection right for you?

If your muscle pain has not improved with other treatments, like pain medication and physical therapy, then a trigger point injection may be right for you. It is best to speak with a doctor to get their advice as they may assess your health in order to get a full understanding of the pain you are experiencing.

What should you do after a trigger point injection?

After you are done getting your trigger point injection, or injections, your doctor may recommend after-treatment instructions: rest for up to two hours and avoid alcohol and coffee; limit activity to low or moderate for 48 hours after the treatment; reduce your regular activities in the first week to assess how you are managing the treatment; you can also try over-the-counter-pain-cream, and right after you apply it, then try some very gentle stretching or massage.

How is a trigger point injection done?

During the procedure, a healthcare professional inserts a small needle into a patient’s trigger point. The needle contains a local anesthetic, or saline, or might include a corticosteroid. The injection makes the trigger point inactive and pain is alleviated.

Here are some top tips on how you can improve or prevent trigger points:

  • Get active: exercise helps keep your muscles nimble and prevents them from seizing up.
  • Improve your posture: Sitting and standing the wrong way can have a long-term impact on your health, so take steps to improve your posture to avoid putting stress and tension on your lower back and neck.
  • Regulate your diet: It may come as a surprise but getting a good balance of vitamins and minerals in your daily diet may help prevent trigger points from happening or getting worse.
  • Get sleep: You have probably heard this countless times, but sleep is very important for your body to restore and repair itself after a day of activities.
  • Stretch: Whether you are playing sports or at work, always remember to stretch before and after to help improve your spinal health.

If you have trigger points, we encourage you to find health and relief with our leading team of healthcare professional at Gulf Breeze Chiropractic & Acupuncture. Call us or schedule and appointment through our website. We are open Monday to Friday. We serve patients from Gulf Breeze FL, Pensacola Beach FL, Navarre FL, Mary Ester FL, Milton FL, Pace FL, Cantonment FL, and Fort Walton FL.