Trigger Point Injection: Your Experience

Most trigger point injections are done in your doctor's office. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications. Bring test results with you, as instructed. When you arrive for treatment, the doctor will examine you and may have you fill out some forms.

Once a trigger point is found, it is injected to help relax the muscle and relieve the pain.

During the Procedure

You will sit in a chair or lie on an exam table so your doctor can reach the affected muscle.

• Your doctor will feel and stretch the muscle to find the exact spot of the trigger point. This may hurt, but will not take long.

• Once the trigger point is found, it is injected. The injection may contain medication, such as a local anesthetic (which numbs the area). Ask your doctor what kind of medication he or she uses.

• If you have other trigger points, the process is repeated.

After the Treatment

You can go home soon after treatment. Take it easy for the rest of the day. The injection sites may be sore for a day or so. Put ice or heat on the treated sites as instructed by your doctor. Ask what medications are safe to take if you need pain relief. You can return to work the day after the treatment if your doctor says it's okay.