Why am I having injections?
Trigger points are tender or sore areas within the muscle and can occur anywhere on the body. These points can be located by pressing on the muscle, the muscle then tenses up or tenderness may be felt.
What is injected?
A small amount of local anaesthetic, with or without steroid is injected into one or more of the trigger point sites. The steroid acts only around the area it is injected and does not have the same side-effects as taking long-term steroids.
Where is it done?
The procedure is carried out in the hospital. A letter with directions and instructions will be sent to you.
How is it done?
- You will be asked to put on a gown
- You will be asked to lie or sit on the examination trolley
- The area is cleaned with antiseptic
- The consultant will numb the area with local anaesthetic before putting in the injection
- Although you may experience some discomfort during the procedure, this is a good sign, it helps the consultant to know he is putting the injection exactly where it is needed
- Sedation is not normally required for this procedure but if you feel anxious then you can discuss it with the consultant prior to the injection being carried out.
How long will I be in hospital?
Although the procedure itself only takes 5-10 minutes you will be asked to stay for about an hour before you are allowed home. During this time you will be offered a drink and biscuit.
Can I eat and drink?
You may have a light early breakfast on the day of admission.
Can I take my usual tablets?
Take you usual medication in the morning and bring your medications with you. Patients taking warfarin will be given individual information.
Can I drive home?
For safety reasons you are asked not to drive home.
What can go wrong?
- You may experience mild discomfort at the site of the injection which should last no longer than 48 hours
- Occasionally you can feel sore or bruised for the first day or so, until the steroid starts to work
- Very rarely you may experience some numbness, which lasts only a few hours
- There may be a local allergic reaction to the injection, which results in redness and itching, this is not serious although we need to know for further treatments
- There are no serious complications to this procedure, but if problems arise please consult your own Doctor