6. Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections combine the use of medication with specialized injection techniques that are designed to relieve myofascial pain.
Your health care provider gently palpates your skin and locates small bands of tight muscular tissue. The area may be tender. As the practitioner locates the correct injection site, localized twitching may occur.
You will let the provider know when the most sensitive area is palpated. Local anesthetic agents or steroids will be injected into the tender area. Other types of medications are occasionally used as well.
When the muscle relaxes, the injection is finished. The practitioner will stretch the tissue and apply pressure and heat. After the procedure, you will apply heat and perform stretching exercises of the tissues at home.
You may experience localized injection site soreness for one to two days after the procedure. You may feel lightheaded during the injection, especially if you have a fear of injections. Bruising may occur, and it is possible you could get an infection due to the injection, but it is very unlikely.
While trigger point injections are generally safe, they should not be administered if you have an infection. If you have diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or take anti-coagulant medications (blood thinners), notify the practitioner before receiving the treatment. Do not get trigger point injections if you are pregnant or allergic to the medications.
7. Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet rich plasma injections provide rapid relief of acute and chronic migraines. They relieve pain which is due to many causes.
A small amount of your blood is obtained. Plasma, the liquid portion of your blood, is extracted from the sample. Then you are given a local anesthetic for the procedure, which takes place with the assistance of a special ultrasound machine.
Using the imaging machine, your doctor can inject the plasma precisely where it can produce the most beneficial effects. Usually, a series of three or four injections given at one-month intervals is required for complete healing to occur.
The procedure works because your plasma contains growth factors that improve your body’s innate healing abilities. It improves circulation locally and provides lasting relief.
TMD migraines can be intense and disabling at times. Try using some of these lesser known therapies and see if they provide lasting relief for you.
