Trigger point injections are used to treat chronic muscle pain that isn’t resolved with rest or more conservative treatment. Trigger point injections are often used for myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.
Trigger point injections entail administering medications directly into the point of pain, which is often referred to as a trigger point (or sensitive bundles of muscle fibers). Common types of medications that are used for trigger point injections are corticosteroid, which can reduce inflammation; a local anesthetic like lidocaine, which blocks pain receptors; toradol, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory; or Botox, which disrupts nerve signals.
FAQs About Trigger Point Injections
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ArticlesHow does a trigger point injection work?
Trigger point injections work by injecting medication (local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid, or Botox) directly into the trigger point, or point of pain. Your spine and pain management physician will determine which medication may be most effective for your pain. Based on the type of medication used, the trigger point often relaxes or inflammation is reduced or both, which alleviates pain.
How effective are trigger point injections?
Trigger point injections affect everyone differently. Some people experience relief right away, while others may not feel relief for a while, if at all.
What are the benefits and risks of trigger point injections?
Benefits of trigger point injections can vary from patient to patient, with some experiencing total pain relief and others not benefiting from any pain relief. Trigger point injections can be administered right in your physician’s office as they don’t require image guidance.
The most common risks of trigger point injections are pain, bruising, and swelling at the injection site. In rare occasions, bleeding, infection, or muscle or nerve damage may occur.
How long does it take to get a trigger point injection?
Typically, trigger point injections are administered right in your physician’s office. Your physician will identify your trigger points via touch and then make the injection–there’s no need for fluoroscopy or other imaging guidance. The injection only takes a matter of minutes. Depending on your condition, you may receive multiple trigger point injections at a time.
What should I consider before getting a trigger point injection?
Like with any minimally invasive procedure, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of trigger point injections. You should also be sure that you fully understand the potential pain relief trigger point injections may or may not provide for your condition. You should also be sure to ask your pain management physician about follow up injections or procedures that may be necessary to achieve the pain relief you desire.
