Trigger Point Injections

A trigger point is a tight, palpable knot or band of muscle that forms when muscles fail to relax. They can be felt under the skin and are highly sensitive to pressure. Trigger points can irritate surrounding nerves and cause “referred pain,” which is pain felt in another part of the body.

A TPI is a quick outpatient procedure where a pain specialist inserts a small needle directly into the patient’s trigger point. The injection usually contains a local anesthetic to numb the area and sometimes a corticosteroid to decrease inflammation, forcing the tense muscle fibers to finally relax.

Trigger point injections are highly effective for treating fibromyalgia, tension headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, and chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back. They are often used when muscular pain does not respond to massage or physical therapy.

You will sit or lie down comfortably. The doctor will manually locate the painful knot in your muscle and clean the overlying skin. A small needle is then inserted directly into the trigger point, and the medication is injected. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

This depends on your specific condition. Some patients find complete relief after just one injection, while others with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia may benefit from a series of injections over several weeks. Your doctor will create a customized treatment plan for you.