Trigger points are defined as painful muscle knots that are sensitive to touch and other forms of pressure. Some doctors recommend trigger point injections to help treat severe injuries arising from serious underlying medical conditions. People injured in a vehicle accident may find that their doctor will recommend trigger point injections to help reduce symptoms and improve recovery prospects.
Things to know about trigger point injections after an accident
Trigger point injections effectively decrease pain caused by trigger points, which are tiny, tight knots of muscle fibers that form in the body’s muscles. Those trigger points are the source of pain and discomfort, causing muscle stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion.
During the Trigger point procedure, the healthcare professional will need a small needle to inject a local anesthetic, generally with a corticosteroid, in case of the trigger point. The injection will help to break the knot of muscle fibers and lower the pain and discomfort related to the trigger point.
The process is typically performed in the healthcare provider’s office and is finished in just a few minutes. The patient might feel some sort of soreness or numbness at the injection site, but the recovery time is minimal. Multiple injections can be needed for optimum pain relief, depending on the trigger point severity.
If you are injured in an accident and need a trigger point injection for pain relief, there are a few things to remember.
- Speak with your healthcare provider.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before receiving trigger point injections and discuss the medical history, any allergies, medications you are currently on, and medical conditions you have.
Your healthcare provider can help determine if trigger point injections are a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.
- Timing of the injection
The timing of the trigger point injection after an accident can be important. It is recommended to wait until any acute injuries have healed and you have completed any necessary physical therapy before considering trigger point injections.
- Potential risks
Just like any medical procedure, trigger point injections carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and allergic reactions.
Be sure to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider before receiving the injections.
- Pain relief
Trigger point injections can provide significant pain relief for some people, but the degree and duration of pain relief can vary.
Some people may experience immediate relief, while others may need several injections over time to achieve optimal pain relief.
