Trigger point injection (TPI) is a great treatment for chronic pain. It’s a very effective approach to treat both direct and referred pain. It’s a noninvasive treatment that can provide long-lasting relief for headaches and many other types of chronic pain. The risk of complications is very low, and it’s a great approach for relieving some types of pain that don’t respond to other treatments.
So, how do you make sure you get good results from your TPI treatment? Here are some tips to help you find the best TPI treatment for you.
Consider a TMJ Dentist
There are many health professionals that might offer TPI, including family doctors and pain specialists. But did you know that many dentists are also experts in this area and can offer TPI to help with pain.
In particular, TMJ dentists are trained and experienced in dealing with the management of chronic pain in the head and neck. They have focused training on the particular anatomy of the head and neck, with particular attention given to the chewing and biting muscles that are responsible for much of the facial pain and headaches that people experience. Years of treatment dedicated to helping people track down and resolve pain in these areas may give them extra insight if this is also where you’re experiencing.
Find a Professional You Can Trust
No matter whether you decide to work with a doctor or dentist for your TPI, it’s important to make sure that you’ve found one who inspires trust in you.
It’s best to start with a referral from your regular dentist or doctor. The odds are good that they know people in the area who have proven expertise in this procedure. They have worked with patients both before and after treatment by the professionals they recommend. They know if they are successful. A referral from friends and family is also good, but remember: not everyone’s pain experience is the same, and what works for one person might not for another.
Talk to more than one professional about the treatment. You want to make sure that you’ve found someone you truly feel comfortable with. Although TPI is a long-lasting treatment, it does need to be renewed periodically. It’s best to find someone you won’t mind working with again and again.
Make Sure What’s in the Injection
It’s important to know what’s going to be used in your TPI. There are many potential formulations that can be used, including local anesthesia, steroids, and botulinum toxin, but the effectiveness and safety profile can vary between different components. For example, BOTOX ® and Dysport are two different versions of the botulinum toxin, but they’re not equally effective, with BOTOX being about three times stronger. And when Dysport is used in proportions that equal the strength, it may increase the risk of complications fivefold.
So talk to your treating doctor about the exact medications that are likely to be used in your treatment, including their cost, risk, and benefits.
Follow Treatment Guidelines
There are many things you can do after your injection to improve the experience, including reducing the risk of complications and extending the life of your results. Your doctor or dentist will tell you how to do that. Follow their guidelines and you’ll be much happier with your results.
Are You Looking for TPI in Denver?
Are you considering TPI for dealing with chronic pain in Denver, such as jaw pain, neck pain, and headaches, including migraines? If so, then we invite you to consider the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado. Our two TMJ dentists use their decades of experience to help patients overcome their chronic pain using many proven techniques, including TPI.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, please call (303) 691-0267 today for an appointment with Dr. Kevin Berry or Dr. Kary Berry.
