Are trigger points to blame for your pain? Encinitas, CA specialist resolves symptoms with injection treatment

Trigger points may be to blame for all sorts of debilitating symptoms, from persistent pain and decreased mobility, to tension headaches and ringing in the ears. These “hyperirritable” spots located within a taut band of skeletal muscles often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). As a specialist in diagnosing and managing MSDs and autoimmune conditions that affect the muscles, joints, and bones, Board-Certified Rheumatologist Dr. Peter Lloyd may recommend treatment with trigger point injections for muscle pain in Encinitas CA at the Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center.

Diagnostics

If you are an appropriate candidate for trigger point injection treatment, Dr. Lloyd may feel these points when palpating or examining affected areas by touch. These points manifest as hypersensitive nodules of muscle fiber that are uncharacteristically firm. Touching these areas can elicit a pain response, which may be localized, or the trigger point may produce radiating discomfort, and local twitching. Combined with other findings, such as information from your clinical history and during discussions with you, Dr. Lloyd may determine trigger point injections would make a positive difference in your quality of life.

Injections

The trigger point injection procedure represents one of the ways to inactivate these sources of pain. Acute-stage trigger points (before pathologic changes occur) may be treated effectively with physical therapy. Manual therapy “trains” you to self-manage pain and dysfunction. Patients with symptomatic active trigger points that produce referred pain or twitching, may be candidates for treatment with injections of anesthetic solutions such as lidocaine or corticosteroids.

Pre-injection

Dr. Lloyd discusses contraindications with you before moving forward with treatment; for example, injections aren’t appropriate for individuals with bleeding disorders, and patients shouldn’t use aspirin for at least three days before the procedure.

Injection 

After the treatment site is cleansed, Dr. Lloyd isolates the trigger point comfortably. Using a sterile technique, the needle is inserted at an angle to the skin. Pressure is applied on either side of the site, which ensures adequate tension of muscle fibers, allows penetration into the trigger point, and helps to minimize risks such as bleeding in subcutaneous tissues and associated irritation.

Post-injection

Dr. Lloyd massages the area, to check for lingering trigger points, twitching, and pain. If additional trigger points are identified, they’re also isolated and injected. After pressure is applied, a bandage covers the treatment area. Re-evaluation may be necessary, but reinjection isn’t recommended until after post-treatment soreness has resolved.

Remaining active and stretching your muscles heightens the positive outcomes you get from treatment. But Dr. Lloyd may advise that you avoid strenuous physical exercise for the first three to four days post-injection.

You deserve relief from the pain of trigger points. Call Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center at 760-509-2429 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lloyd at the Encinitas CA office.

Share this Article