Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Points A trigger point is a tight, painful " knot" of muscle fiber. It can form after a muscle is strained or injured. A knot can often be felt under the skin. A trigger point is very tender to touch. Pain may also spread to the other parts of the affected muscle. Most trigger point injections are done in the doctor's office. Several injections may be needed to best relieve pain. These injections may be given in sessions of one to two weeks apart. In some cases, you may not get significant improvement until after the second or third injection. Several different kinds of medications are used for the injections. These include, local anesthetic, a small dose of steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Toradol, Botulinum Toxin and Sarapin. A vapor coolant spray and stretch exercise follows the injection (see figure below).