What are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger points are localized, highly sensitive spots within taut bands (tight rope like strands) of muscle fibers. They may feel like tender knots in the muscle.
A trigger point injection is a procedure in which a small needle is used to inject a local anesthetic into a trigger point to help relieve pain and muscle tension.
Ultrasound image showing a myofascial trigger point in a lower-back muscle. Cropped from Figure 1A, Tsai et al., Scientific Reports 14, 7562 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57733-4. Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Do Trigger Point Injections Actually Work?
Trigger point injections can help relieve muscle pain in some patients, particularly in the short term. Studies suggest that injections with a local anesthetic may reduce myofascial pain, although results vary and the evidence remains limited (Machado et al., 2018).
Some patients may benefit from repeat treatment. The need for additional injections depends on the degree and duration of relief after the initial treatment. Although long-term benefits are less clearly established in research. Individual responses vary, and some patients experience meaningful improvement over a series of treatment sessions.
What Drug is Used for Trigger Point Injections?
In our office, we primarily use 1–2% lidocaine for trigger point injections.
Some providers add a corticosteroid to trigger point injections. However, evidence suggests little additional benefit, and corticosteroids carry additional risks. Multisociety guidelines therefore recommend against routinely adding corticosteroids to trigger point injections (Benzon et al.).
At our office, we use a local anesthetic without a corticosteroid to avoid unnecessary steroid exposure and its associated risks.
What is the Difference Between a Cortisone Shot & a Trigger Point Injection?
A cortisone shot contains a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation, often in a joint or around a tendon. A trigger point injection targets a tender spot within a tight band of muscle to help relieve myofascial pain.
Trigger point injections typically use a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. Some providers include a corticosteroid, but a trigger point injection does not necessarily contain cortisone.
At our office, we use a local anesthetic without a corticosteroid for trigger point injections.
What to do After Getting Trigger Point Injections?
Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Avoid repeatedly pressing, rubbing, or massaging the injection area unless specifically instructed.
Resume normal activities as directed by your provider.
Stay adequately hydrated.
If you experience temporary numbness, use caution with eating or drinking until normal sensation returns.
You can use an ice pack, if you experience post procedure pain (Then you can start to use a heat pack after the soreness goes away)