Trigger point injections are a safe and effective treatment for chronic muscle pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks and side effects associated with these injections. The most common risks include bleeding or infection at the injection site, as well as numbness or pain at the injection site. Post-injection pain is also a possible complication, but it is relatively rare.
In myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points can cause pain to radiate from the trigger point to other parts of the body. If a steroid medication is injected at the trigger point, there is a risk that the fat under the skin will shrink and leave a dent in the skin. Trigger point injections can also be used to treat chronic muscle pain related to myofascial trigger points, which are bundles of very sensitive fibers in tight muscle bands. Trigger point injections may be beneficial for people who are unable to perform physical therapy or stretching due to severe pain.
The findings suggest that myofascial trigger points influence the intensity of tension headaches and migraines. A trigger point injection may be right for you if your trigger point pain hasn't improved with other treatments, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, massage therapy, myofascial release, and physical therapy. If you have received a trigger point injection and have signs of infection, such as fever or heat at the injection site, contact your healthcare provider. Ice, heat, or over-the-counter medications may be helpful for post-injection pain.
It is important to remember that trigger point injections can be a safe treatment for chronic pain conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and tension headaches.