What is a trigger point injection?

A trigger point injection can help soothe muscle pain, especially in your arms, legs, lower back and neck. It also can be used to treat fibromyalgia, tension headaches and myofascial pain.

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Trigger points are painful “knots” in your muscles. They form when a muscle can’t relax. Sometimes you can feel these knots when you rub your muscle.

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Injecting small amounts of anesthetic and steroid into the trigger point can help alleviate the pain.

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How is a trigger point injection done?

You will sit or lie down for the procedure. Your doctor will press on your muscle to locate the area where you have pain. Then, he or she will insert a small needle into the area and inject a mixture of anesthetic and steroid.

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You can have several trigger points injected during one visit to your doctor’s office. The procedure only takes a few minutes.