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Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point is a knot or tight band of muscle that forms when muscle fails to relax. The knot can often be felt under the skin and may twitch when touched (called a jump sign).Trigger point injections are used to treat extremely painful areas of muscle.
Normal muscle contracts and relaxes when it is active. A knotted muscle or group of muscles can trap or irritate surrounding nerves and cause referred pain (i.e., pain felt in another part of the body). Scar tissue, loss of range of motion, and weakness may develop over time.
Injections are used to alleviate chronic pain that is not relieved using other treatments and involve the introduction of local anesthetic (numbing) medication, saline, and/or cortisone into the affected area(s). Relief is felt as the intense muscle spasm is relaxed, improving blood flow to the area.
Many muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck, can be treated. Injections can also be used to treat tension headaches and fibromyalgia.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. The patient may receive a nerve block beforehand to avoid pain from needle insertion.
A small needle is inserted into the troubled area and a local anesthetic, sometimes accompanied by a cortico-steroid, is injected. The medication deactivates the knot, thus alleviating the pain.
Sustained relief can usually be achieved with a brief course of treatment. The injection may cause a twitch or pain that lasts momentarily. Several sites may be injected in one visit.
We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are board-certified pain management practitioners fluent in diagnosing the need for and performing a full suite of procedures designed to provide long-lasting, effective pain relief.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the ill effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.
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Elgin, IL 60120
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Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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