Why is this procedure done?
A trigger point is a very painful area in a muscle. You may have a lump or feel a knot. Your pain increases when this area is pressed on. This kind of injection is used to help lower pain. When your pain is less, you may be able to move more and do more physical therapy. The goal is to break the pain cycle at this very painful spot. ‚
What will the results be?
- Less pain
- Less swelling in the nerves
- Better movement
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Your drugs may need to be changed.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
The painful area is cleaned with a special soap. Your doctor may give you a drug to numb the painful area. Once the point of the pain is located, your doctor will inject the drug into this trigger point. The whole procedure will take only a few minutes. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after the procedure.
- You will feel numb in the area where the shot is given.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor or physical therapist may give you some muscle stretching exercises to do.
- Apply ice to the injection site if it is sore. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Muscle pain does not go away
- Infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Signs of infection at shot site. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness where the shot was given
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚