Individuals of all ages experience lower back muscle pain or spasms at some point in their lives. From young athletes to the elderly, this ailment can become debilitating, leading to both physical and emotional stress for those afflicted.
Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) has been proven as a viable option for those suffering from chronic muscle spasms, offering patients an alternative, effective treatment that does not necessitate oral medication or an invasive surgical procedure.
From the origins of your pain, to the methods used to relieve it, here's how Trigger Point Therapy can address the effects of lower back pain and improve your overall quality of health.
Origins OF LOWER BACK PAIN
Most lower back pain stems from lumbar muscle strains and sprains, due to the the concentrated stress on this particular area of the body. Ligaments—bands of tissue which hold bones together—can wear over time, or snap due to sudden injury, leading to inflammation, pain and muscle spasms.
Trigger points are classified as small “knots,” or areas of spasm within a muscle. These involuntary contractions cause a subsequent constriction in the blood supply, often resulting in the limitation of range of motion in a particular area—such as the neck—or even “referred pain,” which is felt in a distant location when the trigger point is “triggered.”
Common causes of this condition can include accidents, misuse or overuse of a particular section of the body, misalignments, or disc and other spinal problems.
Regardless of the cause, Trigger Point Therapy can help to relieve pain and assist in healing.
Treatment
TPT’s main function is to loosen the knots that have formed, facilitating improved blood flow to the affected area. This is accomplished by injecting a small amount of lidocaine directly into the muscle, numbing the spasm, and immediately alleviating any pain, soreness and discomfort that may be felt. Over time, and with multiple sessions of TPT, the muscles will begin to heal themselves, and the associated symptoms gradually dissipate.
Each treatment is about 15 minutes in length, and requires no additional recovery time before patients can return to their regular routines. It is recommended to continue with a schedule of one treatment per week for about four to six weeks, or longer, if needed. In certain instances, complementary care—such as chiropractic or acupuncture—may be utilized.
