Trigger Point Injections
Muscle spasms that do not relax can cause pain and distress. In some cases, painful muscle spasms may form pinpoint “trigger” areas of contracted muscle fibers that feel knotted and cause nerve irritation. The irritation then causes myofascial pain (directly at the site of the spasm) and “referred pain,” or pain that is felt in a different part of the body, away from the knot or “trigger point.”
The most common muscle groups where trigger points may form are the jaw, neck, shoulders, lower back, and hip. As many as 85% of people 1 experience trigger point discomfort during their lifetime. When a trigger point becomes chronic, problems like reduced range of motion, tension headaches, and sciatic nerve pain (depending on the muscle of origin) may interfere with quality of life.
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 (TPI) are a treatment option that helps to deactivate a muscle spasm, relieving the pain associated with the trigger point. A needle is inserted into the trigger point in multiple directions to obtain a jump or twitch response in the muscle. Once this occurs, a numbing medication (local anesthetic) with or without a steroid is injected.
In some cases, other substances are used in persistent trigger point areas. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be injected to help improve healing and reduce inflammation.
No matter which trigger point therapy is chosen, the goal is for the muscle to release, which can often reduce muscle pain and help other therapies to be more effective.
What Can I Expect During Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections are a relatively simple procedure. First, the muscle is identified and the skin in the trigger point area is cleaned with alcohol pads or chlorhexidine. A skin marker is used to help mark the injection site, and a small, thin needle is used for the trigger point injections. Your provider will insert the needle into the muscle and then gently retract and reinsert it at different angles (without fully removing it from the skin).
During the trigger point injection, you may feel muscle twitching or spasms in response to the needle. Ultimately, the muscle feels adequately relaxed. This process only takes a few seconds. Finally, medication may or may not be injected depending on the technique used.
What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections
Following a trigger shot, some soreness is expected at the injection site. If local anesthetic was used, the area may feel numb. You should have pain relief, and further treatment may be recommended — for example, if the muscle spasm was interfering with physical therapy , you may be required to follow up with continued therapy.
The muscles involved in the treatment can be used immediately after the procedure. However, your healthcare provider may recommend temporarily avoiding excessive activity that could strain the muscle.
Why Should I Consider Trigger Point Injections?
If you have had chronic muscle pain and have tried treatments like heat, over-the-counter pain medication, massage therapy, or physical therapy without relief, trigger point injections may be a better pain relief option. Your healthcare provider can help you consider the best course of treatment.
Trigger Point Injections FAQs
When considering trigger point injections, there are a few other common questions not addressed above. At Advanced Spine and Pain, our expert pain specialists perform trigger point injections regularly and can discuss the following:
What are some trigger point injection side effects?
Problems from trigger point injections are rare and include bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to the medication used, and nerve injury.
What steroid is used for trigger point injections?
The type of steroid 2 used in trigger point injections is called a corticosteroid and is usually either triamcinolone or dexamethasone.
How many trigger point injections can you have in a year?
Trigger point injections may be performed frequently, as long as a steroid is not used too often. In some cases, monthly injections may be appropriate. Your health coverage may have specific rules about how often repeated injections can be performed.
How much does a trigger point injection hurt?
Some minor discomfort during the procedure is normal, but trigger point injections are generally well tolerated. The trigger point injection sites are located by palpating the area of the muscle spasm or knot, which can be uncomfortable. The trigger point injection itself may sting or burn a little, and the muscle spasms caused by the needling may also be painful, but they are a sign the injection is working.
How long does a trigger point injection last?
Pain relief usually starts between 24-72 hours after a trigger point injection and generally can be expected to last around a month or even longer.
Ready to Discuss Trigger Point Injections?
Pain management is most effective when it follows a customized approach. If you believe trigger point injections may be part of pain relief related to chronic muscle pain, the expert team at Advanced Spine and Pain can help you weigh all your options for the best results.
Contact us today for expert advice from our team or call us at (480) 573-0130.
References:
- Fleckenstein, J., Zaps, D., Rüger, L. J., Lehmeyer, L., Freiberg, F., Lang, P. M., & Irnich, D. (2010). Discrepancy between prevalence and perceived effectiveness of treatment methods in myofascial pain syndrome: Results of a cross-sectional, nationwide survey. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders , 11 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-11-32
- Hammi, C., Schroeder, J. D., & Yeung, B. (2023, July 24). Trigger point injection. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542196/