Trigger Point Injections:What to Expect

What Are Trigger Points?
Tender areas, swellings, or knots under the skin are referred to as"trigger points." Injection of these trigger points with medication mayalleviate discomfort. At times you may feel pain in an area distant fromthe trigger point. Your doctor will feel the various muscle groups tolocate the trigger points and the most tender areas.How Are the Injections Given?
The first step is to apply an antiseptic solution to the skin. Next,the medication is injected into one or more painful areas. You shouldfeel immediate relief; however, the pain may return--and be evenmore intense than the original pain. Several follow-up injections maybe necessary.What Are the Possible Complications?
In some cases, complications may occur, which can include but arenot necessarily limited to the following:

• Dizziness or fainting.
• Skin infection.
• Toxic reaction to the local anesthetic.
• Bruising.
• Inflammation or nerve compromise.
• Rebound pain.
• Collapsed lung.

Special instructions for you:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to dissuss them with your health care provider.