Trigger points are painful “knots” in your muscles which form when a muscle can’t relax. You can usually feel these knots when you rub your muscle. Trigger Point Injections can be used to treat many muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck.
Injecting small amounts of anesthetics with a small amount of a cortico-steroid into the trigger point can help alleviate the pain “knot .“ The mechanism of action of the injections is thought to be from the disruption of the trigger points by the mechanical effect of the needle along with the chemical effect of the agents injected. This combination results in relaxation and lengthening of the muscle fiber.
There are very few risks or side effects with a trigger point injection, however heavy lifting up to a week afterwards is not advised.
If you suffer from chronic pain, trigger point injections may be helpful in your pain relief regimen. Ask your healthcare provider if this is right for you. Please discuss all current medication with the provider prior to injection.