Trigger Point Injection
Trigger point injections involve the insertion of a needle into myofascial trigger points — hyperirritable bands within skeletal muscle that are associated with a palpable nodule. The injection of local anesthetic (with or without corticosteroid) disrupts the cycle of muscle spasm and pain.
What Is It & Who May Benefit?
Trigger point injections involve the insertion of a needle into myofascial trigger points — hyperirritable bands within skeletal muscle that are associated with a palpable nodule. The injection of local anesthetic (with or without corticosteroid) disrupts the cycle of muscle spasm and pain.
Symptoms
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Chronic regional muscle pain
- Tension-type headache
- Fibromyalgia (adjunct)
- Post-surgical muscle spasm
- Cervicogenic headache
How It's Performed
Trigger point identified by palpation — taut band with tender nodule
Active trigger point reproduces patient's pain on compression
Sterile preparation
Small-gauge needle (25-27g) inserted directly into trigger point
Needle advanced until local twitch response is elicited (confirms trigger point)
0.5-1 mL of local anesthetic injected
May inject multiple trigger points in one session
Dry needling is an alternative without injectate
Risks & Complications
- Post-injection soreness
- Bruising
- Infection (<1%)
- Allergic reaction to injectate
- Pneumothorax (rare, thoracic trigger points)
- Temporary nerve irritation
Benefits
- Immediate pain relief in many patients
- Breaks the pain-spasm-pain cycle
- Can provide lasting relief with multiple sessions
- Facilitates physical therapy and stretching
- Minimal systemic side effects
Recovery
Related Conditions
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down the leg. It typically affects one side of the body and is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve roots (L4-S3), most commonly from a lumbar disc herniation or foraminal stenosis.
Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome (zygapophyseal joint syndrome) is pain arising from the facet joints of the spine due to degenerative changes, injury, or inflammation. It is a common cause of chronic spinal pain and is diagnosed clinically and confirmed with diagnostic medial branch blocks.
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Is This Procedure Right for You?
A thorough clinical evaluation is essential to determine whether trigger point injection is appropriate for your specific condition.
Dr. Shahnawaz F Shah