Trigger point injections are a minimally invasive procedure that delivers medication directly into muscle knots that fail to relax on their own. These tight muscle bands commonly develop due to stress, injury, poor posture, overuse, or chronic muscular tension. By releasing these contracted fibers, the treatment helps reduce pain and restore proper muscle activity.
Some treatment plans may include muscle-relaxing injectables like Botox treatments when muscular overactivity contributes to chronic pain or limited mobility.
Trigger Point Injections are widely used to treat conditions such as neck tension, shoulder stiffness, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome.
Identification: Your provider begins by locating the exact trigger points causing pain. These areas often feel tight, tender, or knot-like.
Injection: A fine needle is inserted into the trigger point, delivering a combination of local anesthetic, saline, or muscle-relaxing agents such as Botox treatments when clinically appropriate.
Immediate Relief: The injection helps relax the tightened muscle fibers, reduces inflammation, and restores normal movement. Most patients feel relief quickly, with continued improvement over the next few days.
Immediate Pain Relief: Many patients experience immediate relief from muscle pain.
Improved Mobility: Reduced pain can lead to better mobility and function.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick and involves minimal discomfort.
Low Risk: Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as temporary soreness at the injection site.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain disorder involving muscle and surrounding connective tissue.
Tension Headaches: Often caused by muscle tension and trigger points in the neck and shoulders.
Fibromyalgia: Can help manage widespread pain associated with this condition.
Sports Injuries: Relieves muscle pain and enhances recovery in athletes.
Chronic Pain: General muscle pain and tenderness that doesn’t respond well to other treatments.
Consultation: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history.
Preparation: The area around the trigger point will be cleaned.
Injection: The doctor will inject the medication into the trigger point.
Post-Procedure Care: Mild soreness may occur, and applying ice can help. Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
Trigger Point Injections directly target the muscular source of pain rather than masking symptoms. Because the medication relaxes contracted muscle fibers and reduces inflammation, patients often experience faster and longer-lasting relief compared to oral pain medications alone.
This approach is especially beneficial for individuals whose pain limits work performance, athletic activity, or daily movement.
Trigger Point Injections can be part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Many patients pair them with physical therapy, stretching programs, ergonomic adjustments, and stress-reduction techniques. When muscular overactivity is a factor, adding Botox treatments can enhance long-term relaxation and reduce recurrence.
Purpose: Relief of back and shoulder pain, as well as aesthetic benefits like creating the appearance of a longer neck
Purpose: Treatment of neck pain and associated headaches.
Purpose: Preventive treatment for chronic migraines.
Purpose: Relief of tension headaches and migraines that originate from the temporalis muscles.
Frequency: Treatments are typically required every 3 to 6 months.
It’s important to consult with a specialist to get a precise estimate based on your specific condition and needs.
*** If you suffer from chronic muscle pain and are interested in learning more about trigger point injections, contact us at Bourbonnais Clinic (815 802-0088) or Manhattan (815 802-0077) to schedule a consultation. ***
