trigger point injection
Trigger points are highly sensitive knots of muscular fiber that form when the muscle does not relax. Often, trigger points irritate surrounding nerves and cause pain in another part of the body. Healthcare professionals use trigger point injections to treat pain caused by trigger points through the relaxation of affected muscles. Trigger point injection works for a variety of muscle groups, including those of the arms, neck, lower back, and legs, and are also used for treating tension headaches.
During the procedure, the health care professional locates trigger points below the patients skin and carefully insert a small needle through the skin into the muscle. With the needle, the healthcare professional administers drugs, which can include local anesthetic, corticosteroid, or botulinum toxin A. However, some patients may be allergic to any of these drugs. In this case, a technique involving no medication (dry needle technique) can be used.
Several points may be injected during one office visit. The procedure is usually completed within a few minutes.
Marvin Moy 