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What are trigger point injections?

A trigger point injection is a pain management treatment for myofascial pain  that occurs in the neck, lower back, arms, and legs. Due to acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma, painful ‘knots’ begin to form in the muscles, which can be sensitive to touch or pressure. 

These knots are known as trigger points, and they can lead to stress on the muscle fibres. As such, these muscle fibres are stuck in a contracted state, thereby limiting movements. Trigger point injections not only help alleviate pain but also relax the muscles to allow for improved function and mobility.

Trigger point injection Singapore
A trigger point injection helps to relieve pain in the arm, legs, neck, and lower back due to myofascial pain.

How do trigger point injections work?

During a trigger point injection, the precise location of the trigger point is identified, often through manual palpation or the use of ultrasound guidance. Once the trigger point is located, a small needle is inserted directly into the affected muscle, and a combination of medications is injected.

The medication typically includes a local anaesthetic, which numbs the area to provide immediate pain relief. Additionally, a corticosteroid medication may be injected to reduce inflammation and promote long-term pain relief.

Trigger point injections help release tension and alleviate pain by tackling the inflammation of the irritated nerves. They are an effective pain management technique that offers patients relief and allows them to regain normal mobility in their body and limbs.

Benefits of trigger point injections

  • Effective and quick pain relief
  • Minimally invasive
  • Improved range of motion and functionality
  • Complementary to other treatment options
  • Customisable treatment 

What conditions can trigger point injections treat?

Trigger point injections can effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including 

trigger point injections
Doctors will usually mark trigger point areas to ensure an accurate injection site and that the medication is administered properly.

How are trigger point injections administered?

Trigger point injections are typically administered in the following order:

  • The patient is on an examination table or seated, depending on the location of the trigger point.
  • The skin over the injection site is cleaned and sterilised to reduce the risk of infection.
  • The specific trigger points are identified via palpating the affected muscles. For some patients, an ultrasound may be utilised to assist in locating trigger points.
  • Your pain specialist inserts a small, thin needle directly into the identified trigger point.
  • The needle may be inserted at various angles and depths depending on the location and depth of the trigger point.
  • Once the needle is correctly positioned within the trigger point, a combination of medications (anaesthetic and corticosteroid) is injected. These provide immediate pain relief by numbing the area while allowing for the corticosteroid to take effect and reduce inflammation, providing long-term relief.
  • After the procedure, the patient is monitored for adverse reactions or side effects. 
  • Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the injection and determine if further injections are needed. There is also an option of using Botulinum toxin (Botox) for trigger point injections to relax the muscles and reduce muscle spasms.
trigger point injection procedure
Doctors will usually mark trigger point areas to ensure an accurate injection site and that the medication is administered properly.

How many trigger point injections are needed?

The number of sessions of trigger point injections needed varies depending on several factors, including the underlying condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and the individual patient’s response to treatment. In many cases, patients may experience significant relief after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

For chronic or more severe cases of muscle pain or tension, multiple sessions of trigger point injections may be necessary to achieve optimal results. These sessions are typically spaced out over several weeks or months, allowing time for the medications to take effect and for the muscles to respond to treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most individuals experience pain relief 24-72 hours after treatment, and most trigger point injections typically last for about a month. 

A session can take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the location of the trigger point and the severity of your condition.

The frequency will be at the doctor’s discretion. While it is common for patients to receive several injections over the course of a couple of weeks, this usually spreads out later on, for example, to one injection every two months.

If you are not showing any adverse side effects post-procedure, then you are free to go about your normal routine almost immediately.