Trigger Point Injections
Trigger Point Injections in Thousand Oaks, CA
Trigger points are precise, tight, and hyperirritable spots or muscle “knots” that are painful to the touch and may cause significant discomfort and disability.
Muscle knots or trigger points may occur after some form of activity playing sports, long hikes, stressful day at work, prolonged inactivity, sitting behind a desk over a computer, or perhaps after a challenging workout at the gym. They usually go away independently; however, it is likely time to seek professional assistance if your trigger points persist.
Trigger points may be located in any of your muscles. Those that create the most harm are common in and around your head and neck muscles, in your upper and lower back, along your shoulders and arms, and down your legs and in your calves.
Trigger points occur when your muscles cannot relax, they remain in constant contraction. In some patients pressing a trigger point may cause pain in a seemingly unrelated location; this quality is called referred pain.
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, we understand and relate to the frustrating experience trigger points may create and are prepared to help! Our physicians have been specifically trained to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with trigger points by providing trigger point injections.
Learn more about trigger point injections by reading on. You can also schedule a consultation to speak with one of our experts by contacting us online today. Our state-of-the-art facilities are located in Thousand Oaks, West Hills, and Lancaster, and we proudly serve patients from all over Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and beyond.
How are Trigger Point Injections Done?
Trigger point injections are performed during a visit inside the Vascular Neurology of Southern California medical office. This minor procedure is quick and minimally invasive; it demonstrates near-immediate results.
During your procedure, your physician may ask you to lie down or remain upright. The position of your body will depend on the location of your trigger points. Your physician will use a small needle to inject your trigger point(s) with a liquid mixture. This mixture will depend on your specific condition, the severity of your pain, physician, and patient preference. Trigger point injections may be performed with saline solution, local anesthetics (lidocaine), steroids (Depo-Medrol), or Botulinum toxin.
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, injections of Botox, anesthetics, or steroids may be used to treat a variety of patient conditions such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Bruxism
- Neck pain
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Cervical dystonia
- Extremity spasticity
What are the Risks of Trigger Point Injections?
The risk of any complications related to trigger point injections is relatively low. Some patients may experience temporary pain, soreness, or numbness at the injection site. Injection site discomfort, while rare, may vary depending on the solution used during the procedure. Most discomfort will resolve on its own.
What Happens After my Trigger Point Injections Procedure?
Depending on the condition you are treated for, the relief may be immediate or will develop over a day or two after your procedure. Trigger point injections are a temporary solution and will require recurring appointments to sustain the positive results. Most patients schedule their appointment 2.5 to 3 months apart.