Trigger Point Injections
WHY?
Sometimes you may have “spots” or “knots” that will just not go away no matter what you try. These trigger spots can nag and cause significant pain. They can also refer to different areas to cause additional problems such as headache, arm, or leg pain. Palpation of these areas often causes referred pain or “shooters” into another part of your body. A common spot for this is your upper back, between the shoulder blades. This can even cause numbness and tingling down your arm and be confused with “nerve impingement.”
These are safe, effective treatments that can typically “fix” the problem with just 1-2 visit.
WHAT?
The two common types of trigger point injections are with local anesthetic along or local anesthetic plus anti-inflammatory (triamcinolone (Kenalog) or ketorolac (Toradol)). Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. We find triamcinolone to be safer and just as effective as cortisone. On the other hand, Ketoralac is a non-steroid or “NSAID,” like commonly known Ibuprofen (Advil) but much more potent. They both have great use in certain cases. This will be discussed with you in detail depending on your situation.
The use of trigger point injections for myofascial pain has been studied extensively in clinical practice, with ongoing research documented on PubMed supporting their role in breaking the pain-spasm cycle.
The goal of this treatment option is to:
- Decrease pain
- Decrease inflammation
- Improve function
- Facilitate the healing of the issue
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS?
Trigger point injections are a great option for people who deal with persistent muscle knots that don’t respond to stretching, massage, or physical therapy alone. This includes:
- Office workers with chronic upper back or neck knots from posture strain
- Athletes with recurring muscle tightness that limits performance
- Patients experiencing tension headaches linked to shoulder or neck trigger points
- Anyone with referred arm or leg pain that mimics nerve impingement but originates from muscle knots
If conservative treatments have not resolved your symptoms, trigger point injections often provide the fast, targeted relief that other approaches cannot.
HOW?
Once we have determined this is the right treatment for you, it is typically administered the same day as your consultation or follow up visit.
EXPECTATIONS?
With trigger point injections, relief is commonly immediate. This is a great benefit of this type of treatment. We expect tremendous relief with the first injection. If only partial relief is obtained, we sometimes must repeat them a few more times 1-2 weeks apart. There is no recovery per se for these injections.
RISKS?
Trigger point injections are a very common, low risk treatment option. We are extremely proficient at providing them with over 30,000 performed thus far. We will talk more in the office to see if this is the right treatment option for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does relief from trigger point injections last?
Many patients feel immediate relief that lasts for weeks or months. Some knots resolve completely after 1-2 injections, while others may need a repeat session 1-2 weeks later for lasting results.
Are trigger point injections painful?
Most patients tolerate trigger point injections very well. There may be brief discomfort during the injection itself, but the immediate relief that follows typically outweighs any momentary pinch.
How many trigger point injections will I need?
Many people find complete relief with just 1-2 visits. If symptoms persist, we may recommend repeating trigger point injections every 1-2 weeks until the knot fully resolves.
NEXT STEP?
It is most valuable to schedule a comprehensive consultation to discuss your issue, goals, and treatment options. We look forward to meeting you!
