What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections

Chronic pain caused by muscle tension or spasms can interfere with daily activities and limit range of motion. Trigger point injections can offer relief from this pain and allow you to regain pain-free movement.

If you choose this as a treatment option, you may wonder what you can expect after trigger point injections. What are some possible side effects? How long do trigger point injections last?

At Advanced Spine and Pain, we routinely see cases of chronic muscle pain and have experience with a variety of approaches to manage it. If you are considering trigger point injections for pain relief and would like to learn more, call us today at (480) 573-0130
or contact us online.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are a safe and effective treatment for painful muscle spasms. These "trigger points" can cause referred pain in other areas, such as tension headaches. Common muscle groups with trigger points include the jaw, neck, shoulders, lower back, and hip.

To perform this procedure, a trained healthcare provider inserts a needle into the tense muscle area and gently moves it in multiple directions to relax the muscle. A numbing medication (local anesthetic) or steroid is also used to help relieve discomfort and tightness. The trigger point injection takes only a few minutes, and patients can return home the same day.

What Are Some Trigger Point Injection Side Effects?

Trigger point injections are generally safe and considered very low risk. Problems from trigger point injections are rare and include bruising, bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the medication used.

After the injection, there may be some tenderness or soreness in the trigger point injection site area for a few days.

Can the Pain Get Worse After a Trigger Point injection?

Some patients notice that the muscle pain feels worse after a trigger point injection. This can happen if the needle used for the trigger point injection has to be moved around for the injection and medication to be effective. Moving the needle can further irritate the tight muscle group. This should improve within 24-72 hours, and the medication used in the trigger point injection can sometimes take time to help.

How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last?

Trigger point injections are a temporary pain relief solution. They usually last around a month, although sometimes they can last longer. They are often used to relax a trigger point long enough for other treatments to work better, such as physical therapy exercises.

How Often Can I Get Trigger Point Injections?

When trigger point injections stop being effective, a doctor may recommend a second procedure. How often trigger point injections are needed is based on your unique needs. However, a trigger point injection can be repeated¹ as frequently as every week to every 1-2 months.

It’s important to know that insurance coverage may limit how many trigger point injections you can have in a year. If you are receiving steroid injections as part of your trigger shot, the doctor may recommend limiting steroid medication.

When Can I Return to Normal Activities After a Trigger Point Injection?

Gentle stretching after a trigger point injection is sometimes recommended to help support the healing and relaxation of the affected muscle group. For the first few days, it may be recommended to avoid strenuous activities.

How Well Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

Trigger point injections are usually successful in temporarily relieving pain due to chronic muscle spasms. One study² noted that trigger point injections significantly reduced pain scores compared to other medical treatments.

Interested in Learning More About Trigger Point Injections?

If you believe trigger point injections may help your chronic pain, the expert team at Advanced Spine and Pain can help you weigh all your options for the best results.

Contact us today to learn more, or call us at (480) 573-0130

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References

1. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articl…

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10497070/