In most instances, a trigger point is a focal point of pain. It is an area of irritation in the vicinity of a joint and may include the joint. The irritation may be associated with arthritis, physical strain, or fibromyositis (inflammation of muscle or tendon). Any area in or around a joint may be involved, but trigger point pain is most common in the lower back, hips and shoulders.

In many cases, the pain is very intense and may be accompanied by muscle spasms. Movement aggravates the condition, which can become seriously disabling. Conventional treatment with pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs, may require considerable time to achieve significant relief.

Faster, effective results are available with specialized pain management techniques. At The Pain Institute, our physician specialists can identify the focus of the pain and inject the area with a local anesthetic and small amount of steroid. The anesthetic alleviates the pain almost immediately, and the steroid works to achieve lasting relief. Although the injections may have to be repeated after a time, relief from each treatment can last up to six months.