What are trigger points?
Trigger points are bands of tightness, or muscle knots, that form when muscles don’t relax. These points produce pain in muscles and radiate to surrounding areas. Trigger points can lead to:
- Muscle pain
- Head or neck pain
- Low back pain
- Joint pain
- Migraines
When you receive trigger point injections, Dr. Kanuru injects anesthetic medication into painful areas of muscles to reduce pain. The injection helps block pain receptors, and reduce pain signals received by the brain.
Dr. Kanuru may insert a needle without injecting medication, which provides mechanical pain relief by relaxing, separating, and lengthening muscle fibers.
What should I expect during the procedure?
Before a trigger point injection, Dr. Kanuru goes over your medical history and completes a physical exam. He may use imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to evaluate your spine.
If Dr. Kanuru decides you’re a good candidate for trigger point injections, he’ll:
- Clean the skin near the painful area
- Administer local anesthesia to numb the injection site if needed
- Locate your trigger point
- Use a thin needle to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Dr. Kanuru lets you know how many injections you’ll need to maximize pain relief. You’ll stay awake during the procedure, and injections take just several minutes. After your trigger point injection, Dr. Kanuru or his medical staff apply pressure to the injection site and bandage the area.
You can go home shortly afterward and resume normal day-to-day activities, as long as you don’t have negative reactions to the injected medication. Apply ice to the affected area to reduce soreness and ease discomfort at the injection site.
Are there any side effects?
Trigger point injections are safe but may cause side effects, such as:
- Temporary pain at the injection site
- Temporary numbness near the injection area
- Temporary lightheadedness
- Infection (Dr. Kanuru reduces this risk by thoroughly cleaning the injection site)
These side effects should go away soon after the procedure is complete. When you’re ready for relief from headaches, migraines, or muscle pain, call Dr. Kanuru to book your next appointment or schedule one online today.
