Injections, Nerve Blocks & Botox®
Trigger Point Injections
This outpatient procedure is designed to reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points. These small, tender knots can form in muscles or in the fascia (the soft, stretchy connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). The trigger point injection procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.
Nerve Blocks
These can be used for headaches such as occipital neuralgia and cluster headaches. They are injections of numbing medicine (local anesthetic) and anti-inflammatory steroids that can be useful for certain types of headaches and other pain conditions.
A unique type of nerve block is a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block that involves a swab or catheter placed through the nose rather than an injection. This may be helpful for relief from cluster headaches and other head and facial pain conditions.
Botox®
Botox is approved by the FDA for some painful conditions such as cervical dystonia (muscle spasm), spasticity, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), eye muscle problems, involuntary movements and wrinkles (frown lines). Studies also show some benefit in low back pain.
Botox was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic migraines (15 or greater headache days per month). Most insurances are covering this treatment in the appropriate circumstances. Our patients have had a very good response, with an average benefit of nearly 3 months after each injection.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | Medscape "Botulinum Toxin in Pain Management" Article