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Trigger Point Injection
Trigger point injection can help relieve tender muscle areas that are painful to the touch.
The injection is made using a small amount of local anesthetic (numbing medication) and/or a steroid (anti-inflammatory) into the area of pain.
The local anesthetic will numb the area, relieve the pain and decrease the muscle spasm, while the steroid will decrease inflammation.
Patient guidelines (PDF) ›
Procedure overview (PDF) ›
The goal of a trigger point injection is to provide pain
relief so that you are able to resume normal activities.
No. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may return to your usual activities and resume your normal diet immediately after the injection.
You should call your pain physician if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge from the injection site.
- A fever greater than 100 degrees or chills.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or persistent cough.
Trigger point injections are done with a mixture of different medications given for specific reasons.
- Lidocaine or bupivacaine, are local anesthetics which is used to numb the area of injection; this numbness usually wears off within two to six hours
- Triamcinolone (Kenalog), a steroid which is used to treat inflammation and pain. The effects of this steroid may take up to 10 days to appear
You should call us immediately if any of the following occur:
- If you experience any swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge from the site of the injection.
- If you have a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you experience new or worsening back or neck pain.
- If you experience a new numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
- If you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath or persistent cough.
To be seen by one of our specialists, call 949-UCI-PAIN (949-824-7246) or
request an appointment online ›
