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Chronic muscle pain can be disruptive to your daily life, contributing to other issues such as limited range of movement, headaches, or even difficulty sleeping. While many pain relief treatments are available, Dr. Skura often recommends trigger point injections for chronic muscle pain. These injections can offer long-lasting relief for chronic muscle pain in common areas such as the neck, shoulders, jaw, low back, and more. Chicago area patients can turn to Art Aesthetica for effective chronic muscle pain treatment.
What are Trigger Point Injections for Chronic Muscle Pain?
Often, chronic muscle pain is the result of trigger points. These are nodules or “knots” in the muscle and fascial tissue caused by repetitive trauma, tension, or stress in the areas. Patients can often feel these knots to the touch, and they are typically quite sensitive. In essence, repeated trauma or tension results in muscle and fascial fibers that are stuck in a contracted state. This is most common in the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, lower back, or even the jaw and temple areas.
Trigger point injections work by injecting a local anesthetic as well as a corticosteroid or botulinum toxin (such as Xeomin) directly into the trigger point. In some cases, local anesthetic alone may be injected.
What to Expect During Treatment
First, Dr. Skura will ensure that you are a good candidate for the treatment by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Prior to treatment, you should be prepared to provide a complete medical history including any allergies or medications that you take.
After determining that you are a safe and suitable candidate, the injections can be administered. This is a relatively simple process. First, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed to ensure your health. As needed, Dr. Skura may also mark the injection point. A thin needle will then be used to inject the trigger point directly. Dr. Skura will rhythmically insert and retract the needle in the trigger point. Through this process, most patients will notice the muscle spasm or twitch, but this is not typically painful. Once the muscle has completely relaxed, it will be injected with the local anesthetic as well as a corticosteroid and/or botulinum toxin according to your treatment plan.
Aftercare Instructions
Trigger point injections are outpatient procedures. Following your treatment, you may immediately return home and can drive yourself home. While a majority of patients can immediately return to work, it is advised to avoid strenuous activity for the first several days after receiving a trigger point injection. In addition, you should avoid taking blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications, drinking alcohol, or smoking.
Some common side effects of injections can include redness, slight swelling, tenderness, and potential bruising. These should resolve quickly.
Most patients will notice pain relief between 24 and 72 hours after receiving their trigger point injections. This typically lasts for about a month.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about treating chronic muscle pain with trigger point injections, schedule a consultation with Dr. Skura. To schedule your consultation, call Art Aesthetica in Chicago, Illinois.
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I have been Dr. Skura’s patient since her first day in this facility. In my opinion, she is an excellent doctor. Dr. Skura is a very professional and nice person, helping me in every way with my health problems, and taking excellent care of me. After my experience, I can’t imagine I can go to another doctor now.”
- Verified Patient
Katarzyna Skura, MD believes in education, prevention, and a balanced body and mind. Her role is to guide patients toward their greatest health and wellness. She takes the time to design individual treatment plans for each patient, concentrating on prevention and each patient’s unique needs.
