Trigger Point Injections

A trigger point injection is a simple procedure designed to relieve muscle pain caused by trigger points. Trigger points can form in muscles or connective tissue leading to pain. They can also irritate nerves leading to referred pain in other parts of the body. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into each trigger point helping to relieve the pain and relax the trigger point.

What Is a Trigger Point in Pain Treatment?

• A trigger point is a discrete, focal and hyperirritable nodule in the taut band of the skeletal muscles’ fascia. The fascia is an area in the muscle or connective tissue that’s painful when pressed. Trigger points, like acupressure points or acupuncture points, can feel like knots beneath your skin, and they’re common in your upper back and shoulder areas.
• Trigger point pain accompanies most chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The pain may also develop with advancing age or from shoulder injuries, knee injuries or other joint problems and conditions. A knowledgeable pain specialist can press on the trigger point with concentrated amounts of pressure to relieve muscle spasms. A trigger point injection with pain-relieving medication is another pain management option.