Trigger Point Injection for Car Accident Injuries with Dr. Lee, ND, L.Ac

Neck pain, back pain, and whiplash are just a few common injuries that result from a car accident.
These injuries, if not treated immediately or effectively, can linger many months post-accident. Many times the pain is caused by one or multiple trigger points. Trigger points are nodules within the muscle that are responsible for musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle spasms. They are formed from overuse, strain, or trauma. Specifically, trauma from a car accident can activate or even create trigger points throughout the body. The traumatized area in the muscle will feel like a tight band or knot. This is because trigger points will trap nerves and irritate them causing pain. When pushed down on, these trigger points will “trigger” or refer pain to other parts of the body.

In order to combat trigger points and the radiating pain, one can receive TPI’s, also known as trigger point injections. These injections contain an anesthetic, such as lidocaine, that immediately numbs the pain that the trigger point causes. However, not only do these injections give immediate relief, they also help long term. First, the needle from the injection manually stimulates a muscular release. Once the lidocaine is injected into the trigger point, the nerves that are being trapped and irritated are also released. Second, the anesthetic stops the pain cycle from occurring. Overall, this process further relaxes the muscle and halts the radiating pain.

Trigger point injections are a fast and effective way to help reduce pain without the need of invasive treatment.
Therefore, if you have recently been involved in a car accident and are experiencing pain, it is critical that you see a doctor to be evaluated.