What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that can cause localized or referred pain. These areas of tension form when muscle fibers stay in a contracted state instead of relaxing normally. This tightness can restrict blood flow to the area and lead to a buildup of waste products and chemical irritants inside the muscle tissue. When a trigger point forms, it can irritate nearby nerves and create pain signals both at the site and in other parts of the body. Some patients feel a deep, aching discomfort directly over the knot, while others experience referred pain that travels to surrounding muscles and joints. The ongoing tension can also limit muscle movement and cause stiffness or weakness in the affected area.

Common Causes of Trigger Points

Repetitive Motions

Performing the same movements over and over can place continuous stress on specific muscle groups. The strain can cause fibers to contract abnormally and lead to the development of trigger points. Repetitive activities at work, during exercise, or in hobbies can all contribute to muscle tension.

Poor Posture

Maintaining poor posture for long periods puts uneven pressure on muscles, forcing some to work harder than others. As these muscles stay engaged to support the body improperly, they can tighten and form trigger points. Common examples include slouching at a desk, carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, or sleeping in awkward positions.

Muscle Overuse, Strain, or Trauma

Excessive use of muscles without enough time to recover can make them more prone to developing trigger points. Acute injuries, like the strain from lifting something heavy or trauma from a fall, can also set off localized muscle contractions that form tight knots.

Chronic Stress and Emotional Tension

Emotional stress can create physical tension throughout the body, particularly in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. When muscles stay tight for extended periods due to ongoing stress, they may develop trigger points. Because physical and emotional stress are so connected, managing one can have a beneficial effect on the other.

What are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger Point Injections are a specialized pain management treatment that involves the precise injection of medication into trigger points within muscles. By directly targeting these trigger points with a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medications, trigger point injections work to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function.

How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

During a trigger point injection procedure, our pain management specialist will identify the specific trigger points through a thorough examination and palpation of the affected muscles. Once located, a small needle is inserted directly into the trigger point, and the medication is delivered precisely to the affected area. The medication works to relax the muscle fibers, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain, allowing for improved mobility and function.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections:

• Targeted Pain Relief: Trigger point injections provide targeted relief by directly addressing the source of your muscle pain. By releasing tension in the trigger points, these injections can effectively alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
• Improved Range of Motion: Chronic muscle pain can significantly restrict your range of motion. Trigger point injections can help to relax tight muscles, increase flexibility, and improve your ability to perform daily activities and engage in physical exercise.
• Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: Trigger point injections offer a non-surgical and minimally invasive approach to pain management. The procedure is performed in our office setting, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the injections.
• Personalized Treatment Approach: At Still Well Pain Management, we take a personalized approach to trigger point injections. Our pain management specialists will carefully evaluate your condition, medical history, and pain management goals to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
• Enhance Overall Well-Being: By effectively reducing muscle pain and tension, trigger point injections can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. With improved comfort and functionality, you can experience a better quality of life and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Common Trigger Points

• Neck and Shoulder: Tightness in the neck and shoulders is a common source of both localized and referred pain. Trigger point injections can help relax these areas and reduce discomfort caused by muscle knots.
• Lower Back: Trigger points in the lower back often result from strain, poor posture, or lifting injuries. They can cause persistent aching and may even refer pain down into the hips or legs.
• Arm and Hand: Trigger points in the upper arms, forearms, or hands can develop from repetitive activities like typing, lifting, or manual work. These knots may lead to weakness, tingling, or reduced range of motion.
• Hip and Buttocks: Tension in the hips and buttocks can create deep, aching discomfort that sometimes radiates down the legs. A trigger point injection can target these muscle knots and provide relief from chronic tightness.
• Jaw and Facial: Tight muscles around the jaw and face can lead to headaches, jaw pain, or facial tension. Trigger points in these areas are often related to teeth grinding, clenching, or prolonged stress.

Exploring the Ingredients in Trigger Point Injections

Local Anesthetics

Local anesthetics are commonly used in trigger point injections to temporarily numb the affected muscle area. Blocking nerve signals that carry pain sensations provides immediate relief during and shortly after the injection. Lidocaine is one of the most frequently used options for this purpose.

Anti-Inflammatories

Some trigger point injections include anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and irritation around the muscle fibers. Corticosteroids may be used when inflammation is contributing to ongoing discomfort. These ingredients can support longer-lasting relief by calming irritated tissues in and around the trigger point.

What to Expect From Trigger Point Injections

Before a myofascial trigger point injection, we identify the areas of muscle tightness through physical examination. The injection itself is usually quick and performed with a needle directed precisely into the trigger point. You may feel pressure or a brief twitch response as the medication is delivered. The appointment is short and allows you to return to most normal activities afterward.

How Trigger Point Injections Can Complement Other Treatments

Trigger point injections can often be combined with other therapies to address muscle pain more fully. They work well alongside physical therapy, massage therapy, and stretching programs. We may also suggest lifestyle changes, ergonomic improvements, or stress-reduction techniques to reduce the chances of trigger points returning.

Lifestyle Tips for Trigger Point Recovery

• Focus on Better Ergonomics: Adjust your work and home environments to support better posture and muscle alignment. Using ergonomic chairs, properly positioning your computer screen, and taking regular breaks can reduce the strain that often leads to trigger points.
• Manage Stress Effectively: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and regular sleep habits can help ease overall muscle tightness and lower the chance of new trigger points forming.
• Stay Active Without Overstraining: Gentle movement and regular stretching can support circulation and muscle health without overloading recovering tissues. Patients who have received trigger point injections are often encouraged to keep moving carefully to help maintain their results.

Take the Next Step towards Pain Relief with Trigger Point Injections.