Trigger point injections are a popular treatment for chronic muscle pain, and have been used to help with conditions such as headache, low back pain, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain. The injection involves depositing a mixture of local anesthetics and reservoir steroids into the trigger points, which are bands of muscles that tie together and cause discomfort. Ultrasound imaging can help minimize the risk of developing a serious complication from trigger-point injections. Most people who receive trigger point injections experience pain relief in their back, neck, arms, and legs.
Hong reported that patients experienced almost total pain relief immediately after the injection if local contraction responses occurred. He also reported on the effective use of the Levator ani Trigger Point injection in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Non-invasive measures for treating trigger points include spraying and stretching, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and massage. Your specialist may also suggest exercises to help strengthen your muscle group and prevent future trigger points from developing.
Very rarely, if the injection is done in the chest wall or in the lower part of the neck, the needle can puncture the lung. This could cause chest pain and trouble breathing. The needle may hit a nerve that could cause pain. Despite the popularity of trigger-point injections, the pathophysiology of myofascial trigger points remains unclear.