Trigger point injections are in-office treatments for pain management in patients with muscle areas that do not relax. Trigger points are uncomfortable knots that form in the muscles. These knots may be felt beneath the skin and also may cause radiating pain due to irritation of the surrounding nerves. In some patients, they occur sporadically and are manageable using physical therapy or massage. In others, trigger points are chronically disabling, requiring trigger point injections. The injections contain a local anesthetic and corticosteroids to provide an instant numbing effect and immediately relieve pain.
Did you know…
that trigger point injections are used to treat patients with a number of common musculoskeletal conditions? The injections are often given for pain management and relief of muscle tension in patients with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and chronic tension headaches. Injections are administered in various areas of the body, depending on the location of a patient’s pain. However, muscle groups in the lower back, neck, and extremities are the most frequent target sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for trigger point injections?
You may be a candidate for trigger point injections if you have active trigger points that have not responded to physical therapy or other non-invasive treatments. Contact our office for more information about trigger point injections and to find out if they are right for you.
What should I expect during a trigger point injection?
Trigger point injections are performed in our office and take just a few minutes. Depending on your symptoms and the number of trigger points you have, we may make several injections in the same visit. We use a very fine needle to ensure our patients are as comfortable as possible during the injections. After the injection, pressure is applied to the muscle to help it relax.
What types of results do trigger point injections yield to most patients?
Results vary from patient to patient, but most experience immediate relief following an injection. It is common to feel some soreness at the injection site for a couple of days after your visit. Avoid strenuous activity during this time. Keep in mind that you may require additional trigger point injections to achieve or maintain desirable results.
