Trigger Point Injections
(Targeted Relief for Muscle Knots and Myofascial Pain)
Overview
Trigger points are tight, painful knots within muscles that can cause both localized pain and discomfort to other areas of the body. These points often develop from muscle overuse, injury, postural strain, or underlying conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome.
Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a safe and effective treatment for releasing these painful knots and reducing muscle tension. At Restore Spine and Pain, we perform these injections under image guidance (primarily ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) to improve precision, comfort, and safety.
Conditions Treated
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Muscle tension headaches
- Chronic neck or back pain with muscular component
- Shoulder, hip, or limb pain with associated trigger points
- Postural strain or overuse injuries
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Vasovagal response (fainting or dizziness)
- New or increased pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Permanent skin changes
- Allergic or unexpected drug reaction with minor or major consequences
- Unintended spinal or nerve injury
- Unintended lung injury (rare)
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications.
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out. Clearance from your primary OBGYN may be needed.
Procedure Information
What to Expect:
1. Preparation:
- You will be positioned on the procedure table.
- The skin will be cleaned.
Injection Process:
- A needle is guided into affected muscles and medication is injected.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
- Most procedures last 10-15 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline:You may feel relief immediately after the procedure
- Activity: You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the injection site is common.
- Pain tracking: Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks.
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, worsening pain or new weakness or sensory changes
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing persistent muscle pain or tightness that hasn’t responded to stretching or physical therapy, trigger point injections may provide the relief you need. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to schedule your personalized evaluation and treatment plan.