Back Pain Relief with Trigger Point Injections & Intramuscular Stimulation
Andrew in Sheffield, UK asks:
"A pain specialist suggests Trigger Point Injections or Intramuscular stimulation for my longstanding back pain. Could you explain more about this before I have it done?"
T J Salih, Senior Chartered Physiotherapist at the back2normal back and neck clinic, London replies:
"Muscle shortening can produce pain. It can often be felt in the muscle as tight ropey bands or as small points within a muscle. Small areas of muscle tightening associated with tenderness when palpated are often known as trigger points. A shortened muscle can be released by either injection of a chemical into the shortened area or by 'desensitising' the tight area by using sterile acupuncture needles. When a shortened muscle is released, pain which is caused by the shortened muscle is also eased.
"Trigger point injection is when a pain specialist or rheumatologist injects these trigger points with some sort of anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxant. The idea is to release the tension within the tight muscle and to relieve the pain associated with it. There are obviously side effects with any injection therapy.
"Intramuscular stimulation works by releasing the tight muscle areas by needling the trigger point with thin acupuncture needles. As the acupuncture needle is solid it tends to be a lot smaller in diameter than a hollow needle used for injections, so there tends to be less discomfort. When a needle is inserted into a normal muscle, there is minimal resistance felt. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, there is more resistance felt and often the needle is grasped or held by the tight muscle fibres. Sometimes the tight trigger points actually twitch as the needle is inserted, if this occurs, there tends to be immediate muscle relaxation of the trigger point, and so relaxation of the muscle. Multiple trigger points can be needled in one session allowing a large muscle to be treated. Alternatively many different muscles can be treated in one session.
Article published: 25th March 2004
Related articles
Injury A to Z: Disc Prolapse explained >
Recommended Products for Herniated Disc
Back Supports & Braces
Mueller Back Brace
£33.99 inc VAT
Suitable for everyday use in the treatment and prevention of low back pain. Lightweight and...
(10 reviews)
Bauerfeind LumboLoc Forte Back Brace
£156.99 inc VAT
A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which improves spinal posture, as well as providing superb support and...
Bauerfeind LumboLoc Back Support
£81.99 inc VAT
A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which provides superb support and back pain relief....
PhysioRoom.com Magnetic Waist / Lower Back Support
£12.50 inc VAT Was £39.99 Save £27.49 (69%)
NEW Neoprene back support with enclosed magnets for the treatment and...
(13 reviews)
PhysioRoom.com Elite Back Brace Black
£39.99 inc VAT Was £59.99 Save £20.00 (33%)
NEW Ideal for work sports and everyday wear, this is a top quality back...
(7 reviews)
Mueller Lumbar Back Brace (with removable pad)
£40.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £1.00 (2%)
Features a removable lumbar pad cushion for extra support and stability. Improves posture, prevents...
(3 reviews)
Donjoy BOA Duel TLSO Back Brace
£249.99 inc VAT
The ultimate back brace for back pain and back surgery. Ensures good posture, prevents harmful back...
(2 reviews)
McDavid Universal Back Support
£45.99 inc VAT
BEST SELLER!Top quality sports and work back support featuring a ventilated...
(8 reviews)
Back Pain Relief
Mentholatum Deep Relief Gel
£6.99 inc VAT Was £7.99 Save £1.00 (13%)
Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...
(2 reviews)
Tenscare Touch TENS Machine
£30.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £11.00 (26%)
Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset...
(4 reviews)
Heat Packs & Wraps
PhysioRoom.com Instant Heat Pack
1+ £1.42
6+ £0.69 (Save 51%)
12+ £0.59 (Save 58%)
24+ £0.49 (Save 65%)
50+ £0.39 (Save 73%)
£0.99 inc VAT Was £1.42 Save £0.43 (30%)
SAVE UP TO 60%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant single use heat pack. Ideal for soothing warm pain relief....
WHEATeeze Lower Back Warmer
£17.99 inc VAT Was £18.99 Save £1.00 (5%)
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
WHEATeeze Full Back Warmer/Cooler
£29.99 inc VAT
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
Home Rehab Kit
Mobilis Back Stretcher
£34.99 inc VAT Was £52.99 Save £18.00 (34%)
BEST SELLER!Fully adjustable, lightweight and portable back stretching device....
(2 reviews)
Donjoy Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback
£93.99 inc VAT
Provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing...
Seating Supports
ExtraComfort Coccyx Chair Cushion
£21.99 inc VAT
High quality wedge shaped, high density foam chair cushion with 'cut out' section at the Coccyx...
(1 review)
Memory Foam Products
ComfortSleep Supreme Visco Elastic Memory Foam Pillow
£36.99 inc VAT
A superior visco elastic, temperature reactive memory foam pillow used to enhance sleep for those...
(1 review)
Newsletter
Receive our latest news and offers.
Safe Shopping
We accept the following payment methods
PhysioRoom.com Limited, Unit 1 & 2 Dawson Court, Billington Road, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5UB, England
© Copyright PhysioRoom.com 2013. All rights reserved. Sitemap.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The articles on this web site are provided for general information only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. All exercises and information featured on this web site should only be practised under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
0.26
