If you have been suffering from certain forms of chronic muscle pain, trigger point injections can help. Under your skin, tight areas of skin known as trigger points are present, which are released with the help of this treatment. The injection contains an effective medication that is inserted in areas that are tight and cause referred pain. So, what to expect after trigger point injections? Continue reading this blog to learn what you can expect following the simple procedure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Here is what you can expect when the trigger point injection procedure is ongoing:
- Your doctor will ask you to sit or lie down on a table.
- The skin over the trigger point will be cleaned by the practitioner.
- Next, a needle is injected into the trigger point.
- The needle will be moved until the muscles in the trigger point start to relax.
- Lastly, the needle is removed.
What to Expect Following Trigger Point Injections
Once the trigger point injection is complete, you can resume your regular activities. You may have slight tenderness or soreness, and your healthcare provider will advise you to avoid vigorous activities. Therefore, you may be asked to rest for a couple of hours to days, depending on your condition.
It is possible that you may experience numbness and tingling around the injection site for a few hours, followed by tenderness or swelling. The side effects of trigger point injection will resolve quickly. Generally, it is safe to drive following the procedure, but your healthcare practitioner may ask you to refrain from driving if they anticipate significant numbness.
Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
Trigger point injections work to bring quick relief from pain, with multiple individuals experiencing relief immediately after the treatment. On the other hand, it may take days or even weeks for other people to feel the effects. Although the procedure might be temporarily painful, many people experience pain relief for a month or longer.
Trigger Point Injections Side Effects
Trigger point injections are considered safe and effective. Still, there might be some associated side effects that take place.
According to a study, the most common side effects of trigger point injections for neck pain include:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Muscle pain
- Burning sensation
- The injection site feels tender
Other than this, some less observed symptoms followed by trigger point injection also take place, such as:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Allergic reaction
Typically, the side effects of trigger point injection go away without any treatment. If you have myofascial pain syndrome, you might experience moderate muscle soreness around the injection site as a result of dry needling. The reason for this could be discomfort due to repeated injections in the muscle. Soreness after injection lasts about 2 to 3 days.
Closing Word
Trigger point injections are used to release the tight muscles in the affected areas. You can expect some tenderness and swelling near the injection site but also instant pain relief. Generally, the effects kick in a day or may take some weeks, depending on your case.
Genesis Pain Management has a team of experts that will effectively treat your problems, helping you start on your well-being. Say goodbye to pain and talk to us at (913) 871-9888 or give us a visit at 6700 W 121st St, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66209.