Many individuals suffer from chronic muscle pain that often are trigger points on the skeletal muscles. These areas are often described as knotty and can be felt on palpitation of the region.
The trigger points hurt because they are in a state of hyperactivity, which causes the taut bands of muscle fiber. The discomfort tends to radiate outwards from the original spot and sometimes can cause pain that radiates far from the knot. This pain may be helped by trigger point injections to the affected area, like the sort offered by highly trained orthopedic and regenerative medicine doctors, physiotherapists, and other related medical specialists in Miami and elsewhere.
Understanding What Trigger Points Are in Relation to the Fascia System
Many medical experts believe that these trigger points form when there is either trauma to the site or repeated minor stressors that put undo strain on the muscle fibers. Although many brush off this notion as being just a new age sort of pain concept, the condition has been well documented since at least the 1940s in the Western world and much earlier than that in Eastern forms of medicine.
The fascia system comprises webbed connective tissue that is lubricated and stretchy. This tissue stretches across the entire body wherever muscle tissue lies. This is what anchors our muscles together and to skeletal bones, organs, and other body structures. The fascia is an integral part of muscle movement.
The human body contains over 650 muscles, and the fascia tissue surrounds all of them. These fibers are generally strong and are designed to withstand even vigorous movements and body strain. However, overuse, aging, or some other conditions may cause these bands to become weak. This can make them more prone to injury, which then causes pain and other discomforts.
What Are the Main Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Point Issues?
- Sometimes, deep and throbbing pain
- Muscle twitching when affected area probed
- Decreased range of motion near the affected area
- Generalized tingling or numbness
- Nerve related discomfort
- Palpable knots of muscle fiber
- Radiating, or referred, pain sometimes a distance from the impacted region
- Lower back or neck pain
- Tension headaches
- Jaw-related stiffness or discomfort
- Sciatica pain or numbness down the leg
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
Are Some People More Prone to Trigger Point-Related Pain?
Yes, while anyone could potentially develop this type of chronic muscle pain, there are some common causes that could make individuals more prone to the debilitating condition.
- Heavy lifting
- Involved in strenuous sports or work
- Aging
- Obesity or pregnancy
- Sitting or standing in one position for extended time periods
- Stress overload
- Some medication side effects can make people more prone
- Autoimmune conditions, like arthritis or fibromyalgia that affect muscle or fascia
- Trauma to site
- Repeated motions over time
Development of Painful Trigger Points Can Be Treated with Several Treatment Remedies
There are several treatments that can be tried for painful trigger points.
These include:
- Posture training
- Deep tissue massage
- Stretching exercises
- Medical treatment for underlying disorder
- Psychotherapy and other stress reduction techniques
- A healthier diet and regular exercise routines
- Physical therapy
- Application of heat
- Ultrasound treatments to increase blood circulation
- Trigger point injections
These treatments are often done in tandem with one another for the most effective relief.
Trigger Point Injections May Help Soothe & Calm Down Trigger Points to Relieve Pain
Trigger point injections may help to calm down overstressed and strained trigger points, thereby helping to relieve the discomfort caused by this condition. This is often done after other treatment measures have failed. The injections may be done in a clinical office setting, and there are usually few side effects afterward.
Typically, a steroid, to help decrease inflammation, and a small amount of an anesthetic is combined for maximal effectiveness, according to a doctor who practices regenerative medicine and orthopedics in the Miami area. The injection is usually placed directly at the trigger point area. Multiple injections can be performed during one session, and repeated sessions are often necessary to gain the full benefits of this therapy.
Some practitioners recommend dry needling, and this is where just the dry needle is inserted, like in acupuncture. The act of needle insertion may help to alleviate the pain, but adding a steroid and an anesthetic tends to be quicker and more effective in relieving these sorts of pain issues.
Pain often occurs when the fascia and other smaller structures around the skeletal muscles and bones are inflamed. This may cause an increase in swelling of the area compressing on nerves and small tendons that may also result in aggravating tingling and numbness sensations.
A Few Precautions to Consider First Before Underling Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced and credentialed medical specialist. However, other types of health conditions should first be ruled out for peace of mind and assurance that another more serious condition is present.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes & Certain Home Remedies May Also Be Helpful
Sometimes, an individual who leads a sedentary lifestyle, has sleep or chronic musculoskeletal issues due to obesity or suffers from a chronic health condition may be helped by choosing healthier lifestyle options. A safe and regular exercise program, reduction of weight, eating a healthy diet, improving sleep conditions, and implementing stress reduction techniques into your everyday routine may all aid in reducing overall trigger point discomforts.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment Soon
Please reach out to Dr. Alicia Carter at Miami Regenerative Medicine & Orthopedics by phone or access online anytime for more information on trigger point injections or other concerns.