Chronic pain frequently involves muscle tension as one of the contributing factors. But muscle tension is a broad category in and of itself. Today our back doctors in Bedford TX (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville) are sharing some key points about an effective, non-invasive treatment for a common source of muscle tension: Trigger Point Injections. Read on to learn more about this treatment and how it may help you or a loved one better manage their chronic pain.
What is a Trigger Point?
A Trigger point is what most people refer to as a “knot” in their muscles because it often feels like a lump or a knot of tension in a sore muscle group. That description isn’t too far from the truth. Trigger points are small, tender nodules which can form in muscles or in the fascia (the soft, stretchy connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). They are often accompanied by bands of tension in the same region.
Causes & Symptoms
There are a variety of reasons trigger points can develop. Most of the causes revolve around inactivity, injury or repetitive stress. Some of the more common causes include the following:
- Poor posture
- Lack of exercise
- Improper body mechanics
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Age
- Stress
- Joint deterioration
- Chronic musculoskeletal disorders
Symptoms include local pain and tension as well as referred pain to other muscle groups. Another unique, defining characteristic of trigger points is known as the twitch response. This refers to the contraction of the muscle whenever pressure is applied to the corresponding trigger point. If you are living with chronic pain caused by trigger points, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our Bedford doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville).
How Trigger Point Injections Help
Trigger point injections are outpatient procedures which are designed to reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points. These injections seek to achieve results with a simple injection of an anesthetic mixture directly into the trigger point’s location. Many times, this first injection will cause the trigger point to relax. If not, more than one injection may be administered from a variety of angles to achieve optimal results.
To learn more about whether or not trigger point injections may be a good option for your chronic pain, visit Comprehensive Pain Institute’s dedicated page to this treatment.
Risks & Side Effects
This non-invasive procedure takes only a few minutes to complete and requires little to no recovery time after. There are very few possible risks or side effects, including possible bleeding or infection at the injection site. Be sure to inform your specialist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Bleeding disorder
- Current infection
- Allergy to anesthesia
- Acute muscle trauma
Back Doctors in Bedford TX
Pain is a wide spectrum of disorders including acute pain, chronic pain and cancer pain, and sometimes a combination of these. The physicians at CPI have special training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all different types of pain. CPI offers a scope of services depending on your specific set of needs as a patient. Visit us today at any one of our three convenient Northeast Texas locations: Bedford, Benbrook and Lewisville.
