Established in 2019 as an innovative practice for sports, injury, prenatal and wellness chiropractic services, Pro Performance Chiropractic of Denver can help you in your journey to recovery, rehabilitation and improved health. We offer a variety of integrative services to help you achieve “whole body” wellness.
What is a Trigger Point (TP) and Where are They Most Often Found?
Trigger Points are painful knots in your muscles that create increased pain in the muscle when pressure is applied. Most people can feel these areas when the muscle is rubbed. They usually form after acute trauma or repetitive movements that cause the muscle to remain stuck in a contracted state. TPs in rhomboid and trapezius muscles are found in the upper back and shoulder, and lumbar muscles in the low back. For example, a trapezius trigger point can cause tension headaches and lumbar trigger points can worsen sciatic pain.
How Does a Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Work?
Pain is relieved by creating a disruption of the continual contracted state of the muscle and allowing the muscle to relax.
What Happens During a Trigger Point Injection Procedure?
Once you are situated in the office, the provider will have you either sit or lie down on the exam table. Then the provider will cleanse your skin with an alcohol pad and your skin will be marked at the location of the maximal discomfort with a point palpation. The provider will pinch and stabilize the area around the trigger point with two fingers and then a cold spray will be applied to limit the sting of the needle. A very thin needle attached to a syringe filled with either lidocaine or saline will be inserted into the trigger point. The provider will rhythmically and quickly move the needle up and down to agitate the trigger point into relaxation. The lidocaine or saline will be injected into the trigger point and then the needle will be withdrawn.
How Painful is a Trigger Point Injection?
Trigger Point Injections in general are not painful procedures. A cold spray is used to alleviate the sting when the needle enters the skin. You will likely have some spasm discomfort when the needle touches the muscle, and again when the fluid is injected.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Trigger Point Injections?
TPIs are generally safe and carry a low risk of complications. Most common is temporary numbness around your injection site. You can treat any discomfort with acetaminophen and ibuprofen as well as use ice packs if needed. Occasionally there is minimal bleeding, bruising, vein injury, and very rarely allergy to anesthetic agent used or infection.
How Long do Trigger Point Injections Last?
Around 24-72 hours after the trigger point injection, you will begin to experience pain relief that lasts about one month.