Re: trigger point injections for myofascial pain syndrome??

[Guest guest]

Hi . I have had trigger point injections with novacane. They can do

them monthly. Some patients get 4 weeks or longer relief. I only was able to

get a week. the rebound pain was bad for 1 day after it wore off. I tired it

3x. The last time my muscles really hurt for 2 days at the injection sites.

The main reson I stopped was that I had to pay the copay for an office visit.

The first time I went they told me that it was covered completely by my private

insurance.

Now I have medicare and a supplement that covers my copays. the problem is that

it does not work for me long enough to make it worth while.

But this could be me also. When I had a frozen shoulder, they injected lidacane

and something else into my shoulder joint. It did nothing for me.

I would suggest you give it a try. I have not heard able any problems with

injections into the muscles, except site tenderness.

Let us know how you make out. Gentle hugs, Tami

> wrote:

> My PCP/GP has referred me to a sports medicine doctor (orthopoedist) for a

consultation about trigger point injections for my neck and back pain. It's just

a consultation, not to actually have the injections--but after reading a little

bit about trigger point injections

[Guest guest]

> wrote:

> My PCP/GP has referred me to a sports medicine doctor (orthopedist) for a

consultation about trigger point injections for my neck and back pain. It's just

a consultation, not to actually have the injections--but after reading a little

bit about trigger point injections

Hi

The trigger point injections I assisted with when I was a nurse were into the

muscle/tendon never the

spine. If the area is painful after the injection apply ice or heat for ten

minutes at a time.

A spinal injection is very invasive and can cause serious or permanent damage to

the spinal canal.

You might check into having acupressure instead, it is not invasive. My daughter

goes to the local

massage therapy school frequently to have hers soothed.  She spends many hours

each week using

her computer, and it can cause terrible pain in her neck and shoulder.

A physical therapist can also teach you exercises that will decrease your pain.

I wouldn't do it

without asking your doctor.

I use a tube sock with rice in it, and heat it up in the microwave. Always put

at least a cup of

water in the microwave at the same time.

One more thing, doctors make thousands of dollars for injections. Many love to

do

various procedures for the money, rather than gives you less expensive

alternatives.

Kaylene

Moderator

[Guest guest]

, E. Hyland wrote:

>

> I know that injections into joints can cause joint deterioration, but this is

not into a joint--it is into the muscles. I want to know, can trigger point

injections (lidocaine, corticosteroids, etc.) cause muscle deterioration? Or are

they safer than joint injections?

>

> Also, has anyone else had this procedure for myofascial pain? How did it work?

Did it help? Were there any complications? Any info would be greatly

appreciated. My appointment for the consultation is this coming Wednesday (three

days from now).

,

Injections are invasive procedures and steroids are nuero toxins. Just know

what the side effects are and they will be explained on

the consent. I don't know what you are referring to as having the injections

into your muscle in your neck and back and they cannot cause problems because

they are muscles versus the joints. They carry with them side effects like any

other injection of medications I don't believe patients are given enough of the

problems they cause versus they are " natural " . This is not true.

The injections caused me problems and I had reactions to them. I trusted the

Doctors and they continued to do them with " other " injections, faucet, nerve

block, diagnostic and trigger point.

They are to reduce inflammation but I have asked to take my cortisone orally and

don't care if it goes throughout my body if I need that type of anti

inflammatory intervention.

I am not the one to ask as I got arachnoiditis and more irritation with trigger

points and epidurals that the pain I originally had.

Here is a site that explains the reason for the injections and placements.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-cortisone-injections.aspx

This website explains " trigger point " http://www.triggerpoints.net/

TPI (Trigger Point Injections ) is used to alleviate myofascial pain syndrome

(chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle) that does not respond to

other treatment, although there is some debate over its effectiveness. Many

muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck, are

treated by this method. TPI also can be used to treat Fibromyalgia and tension

headaches.

These injections are an adjunct treatment, which facilitates participation in an

active exercise program and may assist in avoiding the need for surgical

intervention. All physiatrists who perform injections should be aware of the

indications, contraindications, and complications of therapeutic injections, and

fully inform patients of the potential risks.

Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial trigger points are felt to be hyper-irritable foci in muscles and

fascia associated with taut muscle bands. Trigger points are diagnosed by

palpation and produce a local twitch response and a referred pain pattern distal

to the site of muscle irritability. Trigger points cannot be properly diagnosed

in the acute stages of low back pain when muscle spasm and inflammation are

present. Initially, trigger points generally respond to a program of stretching

and correction of poor postural mechanics with or without other modalities, such

as superficial heat or cold. Trigger point injections should be reserved for

patients who have not responded in the first four to six weeks to a properly

directed program and appropriate pharmacologic intervention. (From Spine

Universe.)

Some pain doctors will not treat you with medication unless you agree to

injections also. These are usually the anesthesiologists and sports medicine

doctors who train and get paid more for these.

Just my experience and after " consenting " to well meaning Doctors? I am not

doing them anymore. They caused more scarring and more problems.

The last ones I had at least the Doctor told me to place heat on the sites to

disperse the medication which I had not been told after twenty plus injections

and this made sense but I still had reaction and will no longer do them.

Good Luck though.

Bennie

[Guest guest]

>Kaylene wrote:

>

> I use a tube sock with rice in it, and heat it up in the microwave. Always put

at least a cup of water in the microwave at the same time.

Kaylene,

I remember using the tube socks as they fit so well around the neck and I would

tie they together. We did this as a project with my students one time.

Thank you for stating what I tried to so much better about the

side effects of injections. Injections are invasive and have side effects, I

just wanted to encourage others to read the consents because they are listed.

The medications also have their own side effects no matter if in muscle or in

between vertebral spaces.

I have lived it so I still read the consents but lived the side effects and no

longer want to go down that road. I finally got the word arachnoiditis on a

report instead of being told it. It is scary in black and white. Now to make

sure I take care of it.

Bennie