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Conditions & Treatments

Trigger Point Injections

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger points are sensitive areas within a muscle that can cause localized pain and tenderness. They may develop when a muscle remains contracted or tight, which can reduce blood flow to the area. Trigger points may occur on their own or develop in response to another condition causing pain.

Trigger point injections are used to treat these painful areas by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes with a corticosteroid, directly into the affected muscle. The injections may be used along with physical therapy or other treatments to help address muscle pain.

What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points can develop when muscles become tight, irritated, or overused. They may be associated with muscle strain, repetitive activity, injury, or an underlying condition that causes ongoing pain.

In some cases, muscle pain develops in response to another source of pain, such as an arthritic facet joint in the spine. When an underlying condition is contributing to the muscle pain, treating that condition may also be an important part of care.

Trigger Point Symptoms

Trigger points commonly cause localized muscle pain and tenderness. Pressing on the affected area may reproduce the pain, and some trigger points can cause pain that is felt in another area of the body.

Patients may also experience muscle tightness, stiffness, or discomfort with movement. Symptoms can vary depending on the muscle involved and the underlying cause of the trigger point.

When Are Trigger Point Injections Recommended?

Trigger point injections may be recommended when painful areas within a muscle continue to cause symptoms despite conservative treatment. They are often used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, stretching, or treatment of an underlying source of pain.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the affected muscles to determine if trigger point injections may be appropriate for you.

What Happens During a Trigger Point Injection?

Trigger point injections are usually performed in the office. The doctor identifies the painful area and inserts a small needle directly into the trigger point. A small amount of local anesthetic, with or without a corticosteroid, is then injected into the muscle.

Some injections involving deeper muscles, such as the piriformis or iliopsoas, may be performed using fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imaging that helps the doctor guide the needle to the appropriate location.

For specialized pain management care in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, and Plantation, Florida, please call (561) 549-9090 or request an appointment online.