Overview
Understanding trigger point injections
Trigger points are tender areas within muscle that can produce local or referred pain. A clinician identifies them through the history and examination rather than imaging alone.
The injection may contain local anesthetic, with or without another medication. Stretching, movement, rehabilitation, and addressing the reason the muscle remains irritated are often important parts of the plan.
Useful context
When this may be discussed
- Selected myofascial pain with a reproducible tender point
- Painful muscle tightness in areas such as the neck, shoulder, or back
- Improving tolerance for movement or rehabilitation when the diagnosis fits
At the clinic
What the process may involve
- 01
A focused examination to distinguish muscle pain from joint, spine, or nerve causes
- 02
Cleaning the skin and placing a small needle into the selected trigger point
- 03
Brief pressure, stinging, or a temporary increase in the familiar pain
- 04
Instructions for movement, soreness, and follow-up
Benefits, limits, and risks
Questions to discuss before treatment
- Soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, and lack of benefit are possible.
- Rare risks depend on the body area and nearby structures.
- An injection does not correct every contributor to muscle pain, so activity and rehabilitation planning may still be needed.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.