Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are indicated in the treatment of chronic myofascial pain. Trigger points are the hallmark of this disorder, characterized as discrete, painful points in a muscle body, that when palpated, will reproduce the patients symptoms. They are usually felt as a taut band within the muscle. Palpation can also produce a radiation of the pain, usually in a fairly classic manner. The basis for the trigger point injection is that injection results in relaxation of an area of intense, chronic muscle spasm. By relaxing the muscle, adequate perfusion is restored to this area, allowing for clearance of noxious metabolites, and replenishment of ATP stores. These injections should ideally done in conjunction with aggressive physical therapy or stretching exercises to prevent the recurrence of the spasm. Usually, a series of injections is required, but one can see significant improvement of symptoms with a short course of therapy.

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