Trigger Point injections

What are trigger point injections?

A trigger point injection is a minimally invasive treatment that eases myofascial pain –– chronic pain that affects your muscles and the surrounding tissues. Specifically, it relieves trigger point-related pain. Trigger points are tight muscle knots caused by an acute injury or general wear-and-tear. They prevent your muscle fibers from contracting, interfering with your mobility.

Once the injection enters your body, it causes the tight knots of muscle to relax. The injection also reduces inflammation, relieving pain and restoring your range of motion.

Am I a candidate for trigger point injections?

You might benefit from trigger point injections if you have:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Tension headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome

Before recommending trigger point injections, your Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Tell them if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications and if you have an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes. 

Trigger point injections are safe and present few risks, but it’s important the team is aware. If you have allergies, a history of infection, or take certain medications like blood thinners, your provider recommends an alternative procedure. 

What does getting trigger point injections involve?

Getting a trigger point injection takes 30-45 minutes.

On the day of your appointment, your provider has you sit or lie down on an exam table. They clean and sterilize the skin on the affected area and gently pinch the trigger point with their fingers. 

Next, using X-ray guidance, your provider inserts the needle into the trigger point. It’s normal to feel your muscle twitch or spasm at this time. Your provider then administers the injection, which contains a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. 

Your provider completes the same steps several times if you have multiple trigger points. Once the medication enters your body, it causes your muscles to relax, increases blood flow to the area, and relieves pain.

How long do trigger point injections last?

Trigger point injections typically last for a month or longer. If your pain returns or worsens, the team might recommend an alternative procedure, such as spinal cord stimulation or epidural injections. The goal is to provide lasting pain relief that lets you return to your routine and favorite activities. 

Call the nearest Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine office to schedule a trigger point injection appointment, or book your visit online today. 

*Individual results may vary.