Trigger point injection , also known as TPIs, are procedures used on patients experiencing areas of muscle pain. These trigger points occur due to knots formed when muscles do not relax. Therefore, trigger point injections effectively relax the muscle and reduce discomfort in that area. Use of muscle relaxants, therapeutic massages, and other treatment methods are mainly used for treating trigger points. However, if these fail, trigger point injections may be recommended.
The cost of these injections alone can range from around $250 to $450. However, it varies depending on certain key factors such as the type of medication, how often it is required, and insurance coverage, to name a few. In this article, we explore these factors and how they affect the price of trigger point injections.
The Type of Injectable Used
The cost of a TPI can change according to the medication used. Often, these injections contain an anaesthetic such as Lidocaine (Xylocaine) which costs around $11 for 20 millilitres, or Bupivacaine (Marcaine) which costs an estimate of $45 for 100 millilitres. But the price will differ depending on which pharmacy or hospital you visit and the number of millilitres of medication required. One or both of the two anaesthetics may be utilised, or a corticosteroid (medication containing cortisone) may be given either by itself or in combination with lidocaine. Cortisone injections usually cost about $100 to $300.
Botox in Trigger Point Injections
Sometimes, medical professionals use Botulinum toxin, or Botox, to help soothe muscle spasms and pain. However, there are conflicting ideas on if this will medically improve the patient’s problem. Botox injections are mainly used for muscle spasticity, dystonia, headaches, and a chronic pain disorder such as myofascial pain. The prices of botox injections are known to be expensive, ranging from around $600 to $1000.
Dry Needling
Occasionally, a medical practitioner may forgo medication and instead use a method known as dry needling. This is when only a needle is injected into a trigger point making it passive and allowing for pain relief. This greatly reduces the price paid for trigger point injections while still alleviating pain for the patient.
How Often are Trigger Point Injections Required?
The recommended amount of injections is three per week. And later, once every two months. This is conditional upon whether or not the first injection takes effect and eradicates the problem, which in most cases it does. The more injections required, the higher the cost will be. However, if a patient has a chronic condition, these injections might become a long-term method of pain relief.
How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last?
Typically, after receiving it, patients will be able to experience pain relief within 24-72 hours. After which, the relief is estimated to last for about a month. Following the severity of the injury or pain, this relief period could be much lesser. Recurring injections might be needed to obtain long-term pain relief and this will add greatly to the cost.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Trigger Point Injections?
A TPI is considered medically necessary after determining the seriousness of the illness or injury. In this situation, health insurance will provide relevant coverage resulting in reduced or eliminated expenses. However, this is based upon what health insurance you have, as the rates and coverage will differ for different insurance companies.
Extra Costs
Aside from the original cost of the trigger point injection, there may be added costs required. These vary from the hospital, clinic, or pharmacy of choice in terms of the prices of medication, the procedure, and the medical professional. Also, your doctor may ask for added tests to be carried out with the trigger point injection.
Conclusion
It is vital to conduct extensive research and discuss closely with your medical team/practitioner if trigger point injections are the right treatment for you, the relevant medication to be used, and its dosage, as well as alternative treatments. Trigger point injections, however, are affordable with insurance, long-lasting, effective, and a reliable treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What side effects might trigger point injections?
Common side effects include post-injection numbness, pain, and discoloration of the skin on/near the injection site. As typical of any injection, there may be some bleeding, redness, and/or infection at the site. But within a few days, these effects will subside. However, if a steroid medication is administered, it may cause shrinkage of fat beneath the skin and leave a dent.
2) Are trigger point injections worth the cost?
Trigger point injections have shown a 75-90% success rate in instant pain relief and improved range of motion in most patients.
3) What alternatives exist to trigger point injections?
These injections are one of many solutions to treating muscle pain. Other treatments are available such as massage therapy, muscle relaxers, exercise, and even acupuncture.
4) What can trigger point injections be used to treat?
Muscle pain in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs/calf. Alternatively, it may be used to treat more severe and long-lasting conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome.
