Trigger Points & Trigger Point Injections
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A trigger point is a small area in a muscle that is very sensitive to touch or pressure. It can be extremely painful. Injury, overexertion, muscle tension, and muscle spasms are common causes of trigger points. They most frequently occur in the neck, back, and shoulders. Trigger point injections relax the muscle and relieve pain by placing medications in the trigger point.
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Introduction
A trigger point is a small area in a muscle that is very sensitive to touch or pressure. It can be extremely painful. Injury, overexertion, muscle tension, and muscle spasms are common causes of trigger points. They most frequently occur in the neck, back, and shoulders. Trigger point injections relax the muscle and relieve pain by placing medications in the trigger point.
Anatomy
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Trigger point injections can be administered at a doctor’s office. The treatment time is short, usually lasting several minutes. You may receive a nerve block or local anesthetic prior to your trigger point injection to prevent pain. To deliver the trigger point injection, your doctor will insert a small needle into the trigger point and inject the medication.
You will be provided with instructions to reduce initial pain and swelling at the treatment site. Trigger point injections are usually followed by physical therapy aimed at pain relief and muscle stretching. In some cases, trigger point injections may be repeated.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on April 13th, 2016. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
