How it works
How trigger point injections work
A trigger point is a tight “knot” in a muscle, or a tender spot in the tissue around a muscle. These spots can cause cramping and pain in the neck, back and other areas of the body.
In a trigger point injection, your provider places a small amount of local anesthetic and a cortisone steroid right into the trigger point. The anesthetic numbs the area, and the steroid aims to calm the irritation so the knot is less active. Several spots can be treated in one visit. The goal is to calm the sore spot and help you move more comfortably.
Who may benefit
Who may be a candidate for trigger point injections
Trigger points can come from overusing a muscle, an injury or trauma. They can also be linked to long-term conditions such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome. Trigger point injections may be considered for:
- Muscle pain that comes from tight, knotted muscles
- Neck and back pain with sore spots in the muscles
- Limited movement from tight muscles
- Tension headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and jaw pain linked to muscle knots
You may be a candidate if you have pain from tight muscles or muscle knots. For milder trigger points, your provider may suggest less invasive treatments first. After an exam, the team can tell you whether an injection fits your situation.
What to expect
What to expect before, during and after trigger point injections
Before your injections
Your provider reviews your history, examines the sore areas and may mark the spots to be treated. Tell the team about your medicines, allergies and any health conditions before the injection.
During the injections
The injection is done in the office and takes only a few minutes. You may feel discomfort as the needle reaches the tight tissue.
After your injections
Most people can leave the office right after the injections. Because of the numbing medicine, many people notice relief soon afterward. Plan to rest and avoid strenuous activity, such as physical labor or hard exercise, for one to two days. Your team will give you aftercare instructions.
Benefits and limitations
How long the effect may last
Many patients have up to about 30 days of relief, though it varies: some have more and some have less. How long it lasts may depend on the cause and how severe it is. If your trigger points come from a long-term condition, repeat injections may be needed. Your provider will review what to expect and help you plan the timing.
Risks and side effects
Risks and side effects of trigger point injections
Risks are generally low but not zero. They can include soreness or bruising where the needle went in, a temporary increase in pain, and, rarely, infection or an allergic reaction to the medicine. Steroids can have effects of their own.
Please talk with your provider about the risks that apply to you before you decide.
Common questions
Questions about trigger point injections
Your provider can talk through your own plan at your visit.
What are trigger point injections and how do they work?
A trigger point is a tight knot in a muscle that can cause pain. In this injection, your provider places a local anesthetic and a cortisone steroid into the knot. The medicine aims to ease the pain and make the trigger point less active.
Who may be a candidate for trigger point injections?
People with pain from tight muscles or muscle knots may be candidates, including knots linked to overuse, injury or long-term conditions such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome. For milder cases, your provider may suggest less invasive treatment first and can tell you after an exam whether an injection suits you.
How long does the procedure take, and is it painful?
The procedure takes only a few minutes, and several spots can be treated in one visit. You may feel discomfort as the needle reaches the knot; the numbing medicine helps.
What is recovery like, and when can I drive or go back to work?
Sedation isn’t used for trigger point injections, so you can leave right after and drive yourself. Plan to avoid strenuous activity for one to two days. Your team will tell you when you can return to work for your situation.
How long might the effect last?
Many patients have up to about 30 days of relief, though it varies. If the knots come from a long-term condition, regular injections may be needed to keep the effect going. Your provider will review what to expect and help plan the timing.
Related care
Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.