Trigger point injections address myofascial pain and trigger points in order to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as well as headaches or pain in the jaw, neck, limbs (arms and legs), lower back, and/or pelvis.
How do Trigger Point Injections Work?
Corticosteroids are similar in action to cortisol, a hormone produced naturally in the brain. Cortisol is helpful in that it helps the body in situations that involve trauma, pain, or stress of any kind. Corticosteroids act similarly—they are used to control inflammation and pain. In the case of myofascial pain, corticosteroids are injected to alleviate pain and relax the trigger point. For many patients, a short course of treatment with trigger point injections can offer long-term relief.
For some sufferers, a local anesthetic is used in place of (or in conjunction with) a corticosteroid. Patients that receive an anesthetic injection will experience a respite from muscle pain when the muscles are numbed and able to relax.
