Trigger Point Injections in Louisiana
Trigger point injections reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points, small, tender knots that form in muscles or the surrounding fascia. This quick outpatient procedure takes only a few minutes. LA Pain Doctor offers trigger point injections to patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are tight bands of muscle that fail to relax. You may feel them as hard, tender knots under the skin. Besides hurting where they are located, trigger points often refer pain to other areas. A knot in the upper shoulder, for example, can cause headaches, while trigger points in the lower back may send pain into the buttocks or legs.
Common Causes
- Muscle strain from lifting, overuse, or repetitive motions
- Poor posture, long hours at a desk, or extended driving
- Injuries like Whiplash from car accidents
- Stress and tension that keep muscles tight
- Conditions such as Fibromyalgia and chronic neck or back pain
How Trigger Point Injections Work
After locating the trigger point by touch, your provider inserts a thin needle directly into the knot and injects a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid. The medication and the needle itself help the tight muscle release, improving blood flow and calming irritated nerves. Several trigger points can be treated in a single visit, and the entire procedure usually takes just minutes.
Many patients notice relief right away. Some soreness at the injection sites is normal for a day or two. Stretching, heat, and gentle movement after treatment help keep muscles relaxed.
Where Trigger Point Injections Help
We commonly use trigger point injections for muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, and hips. They are often combined with other treatments, such as facet joint injections for Facet Joint Syndrome, cervical epidural steroid injections for nerve pain, or Botox injections for chronic migraine for patients whose neck tension contributes to headaches. Explore our neck pain treatment and shoulder and arm pain treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Point Injection
What does a trigger point feel like?
Trigger points feel like tight, tender knots in a muscle. Pressing on them often causes local pain and may send pain to other areas.
How quickly do trigger point injections work?
Many patients feel relief immediately or within a few days after the injection.
Are trigger point injections painful?
Most patients feel a brief pinch and mild pressure. A thin needle is used, and the procedure takes only minutes.
How long does relief last?
Relief can last weeks to months. Combining injections with stretching and posture changes helps extend results.
Can trigger point injections help headaches?
Yes. Trigger points in the neck and shoulders can cause tension-type headaches, and treating them can reduce headache frequency.
Can I go back to work after trigger point injections?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day, though you may want to avoid strenuous activity for a day or two.
Where can I get trigger point injections?
LA Pain Doctor offers trigger point injections at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Release Painful Muscle Knots
Quick relief for tight, painful muscles is available. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.