Trigger point injections for chronic pain

Trigger Point Injections

Your Muscles: The Overlooked Source of Pain

What is Trigger Point Injection Therapy?

Trigger points are defined as areas of muscle that are painful to palpation and are characterized by the presence of tight bands and the generation of a referral pattern of pain when they are compressed. Trigger points, which typically occur in a more restricted regional pattern, are indicative of myofascial pain syndrome. Trigger points are diagnosed by palpation; they cannot been identified using an xray or an MRI. When appropriately identified by a trained phyisician, myofascial trigger point injections can be helpful in decreasing pain and improving range of motion. PMID: 8860801 The treatment works best when combined with exercise, osteopathic manipulation and supplements.

Tender points are areas of tenderness occurring in muscle, muscle-tendon junction, bursa, or fat pad. When tender points occur in a widespread manner, they are usually considered characteristic of fibromyalgia.

In some patients the two phenomena may coexists, and overlap syndromes can occur.

Studies have shown that trigger point therapy is a valuable for pain relief in both group. Patients with fibromyalgia are likely to experience significant decrease in pain relief following injection but the results may be delayed. Also, fibromyalgia patients are likely to experience significantly more post-injection soreness for a longer period of time. Injection of active trigger points in patients with myofascial pain syndrome may experience relief of pain within hours. PMID: 8931529

The physicians at OsteoMed II have been using trigger point injections since 1996. The solution that is used with the injection is preservative-free procaine, an anesthetic similar to novacaine. No steroids or other drugs are used. However, the type of medication that is used is much less important than knowing exactly how and where to inject the solution. THAT is the key to success!

7271 Engle Road, Suite 115

Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

440-239-3438

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, Dr. Clay Walsh and Dr. Cheryl Leuthaeuser. The physicians at OsteoMed II encourage you to make decisions about your health and the health care of your family based upon your own personal research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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