SPECIALIZED ORAL PATHOLOGY IN DALLAS, TX
Understanding Trigger Point Injections
Chronic muscle pain in the head and neck is a common concern for many patients. What patients don’t realize, though, is that this pain is often linked not to the teeth or joints, but to small knots of tight muscle fibers known as trigger points. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, radiate discomfort to other parts of the head and neck and interfere with function.
One effective method of managing this type of pain is through trigger point injections. This procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic directly into the area of the muscle that is the source of the pain.
At the Center for Oral Pathology, we recognize the important role trigger point injections play in comprehensive pain management and how they complement broader care. We offer diagnostic and treatment services to help with pain discovery and management, while also working with healthcare providers to meet the needs of patients.
The professionally trained team at The Center for Oral Pathology, 4514 Cole Avenue, Suite 930, in Dallas, Texas, 75205, specializes in understanding, communicating, and implementing the science and medicine necessary to address oral health problems. If you have any questions, contact us today at 855-ORAL-PAT(H) or 855-672-5728.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are small, hyperirritable spots in a muscle that form when the fibers tighten and fail to relax. These areas can be felt as taut bands or nodules beneath the skin and often cause localized pain. In many cases, pressing on a trigger point produces pain in a different area. This is a phenomenon known as “referred pain.”
In the oral and maxillofacial region, trigger points frequently develop in the muscles responsible for chewing and jaw movement. The masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles are common sources of discomfort, and their involvement can mimic dental pain. Neck muscles may refer to pain to the head and can be associated with tension type headaches.
How Trigger Point Injections Work
After identifying the painful muscle band through palpation, the treatment provider inserts a small needle directly into the trigger point. The injection typically contains a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine.
Inserting the needle into the tight muscle band can break the cycle of spasm and pain. When combined with local anesthetic, relief is often profound.
When Trigger Point Injections Are Used
Trigger point injections may be considered when a patient experiences persistent muscle-related facial pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or oral appliances. They are especially helpful for:
- Patients with chronic myofascial pain in the jaw muscles
- Patients with tension-type headaches linked to jaw clenching
Because oral pain can have many causes, it is important to confirm that the discomfort originates from muscle trigger points rather than lesions or tissue abnormalities. A thorough evaluation confirming the diagnosis is imperative.
Diagnosing the Underlying Condition
When a patient schedules a visit due to unexplained jaw or facial pain, the healthcare provider begins with a thorough review of the patient’s history and an examination. Palpation of the muscles often reveals tender knots that reproduce the patient’s pain.
Only after confirming the absence of underlying disease and determining that the pain is muscular in origin will trigger point injections be considered.
Partner with the Center for Oral Pathology for Better Patient Outcomes
Trigger point injections offer meaningful relief for patients with muscle-related facial pain, especially when conservative treatments have failed. They demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary care, where dentists, oral surgeons, physicians, oral medicine specialists and pathologists each contribute their expertise.
At the Center for Oral Pathology, our focus is on ensuring that orofacial pain conditions are correctly identified. Once this has taken place, providers can move forward with therapies like trigger point injections with confidence.
If you are managing a patient with chronic jaw or facial pain and need clarity about the underlying cause, please refer to our office for further evaluation and management.
If you are a patient experiencing facial pain, reach out to learn more about diagnostic and treatment options.
Contact our office today to learn more about our services.
Schedule Your Oral Pathology Exam Today
At The Center for Oral Pathology, 4514 Cole Avenue, Suite 930, in Dallas, Texas, 75205, our team of specialists takes your oral health seriously. Scheduling an appointment for an oral pathology examination or an oral biopsy can also actively improve your overall health. In addition to embracing the importance of your overall oral health, we also understand the value of your time, which is why we are focused on making your visit to our clinic as efficient as possible.
If you would like to learn more about your options regarding Trigger Point Injections, give us a call today at 855-ORAL-PAT(H) or 855-672-5728 with any questions and to get your examination on the calendar. We look forward to serving you and contributing to improving your quality of life.