Trigger point injections are a common treatment for muscle pain. A frequent question arises regarding their contents: are they steroids? While some formulations may include corticosteroids, this is not always the case. These injections often contain other substances, primarily local anesthetics, which alleviate pain and relax muscle knots.
Understanding Trigger Points
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle fibers. These sensitive areas can be felt as small, hardened nodules or “knots” under the skin. They typically develop due to muscle injury, overuse, repetitive motions, or sustained stress.
Compression of a trigger point usually elicits pain directly at the site and can also produce a “local twitch response,” a visible contraction of the muscle fibers. Trigger points are also known for causing “referred pain,” where pain is felt in an area distant from the actual trigger point. For instance, a trigger point in the neck might cause pain to radiate into the head or shoulder.
What Trigger Point Injections Contain
Trigger point injections most commonly contain a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. This anesthetic numbs the area, quiets irritated nerves, and promotes muscle relaxation, helping to inactivate the trigger point. The goal is to break the cycle of pain and muscle tension, allowing muscle fibers to relax and improving blood flow.
Some formulations may include a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the muscle and surrounding connective tissues, providing extended pain relief. However, many trigger point injections do not contain steroids, relying solely on the local anesthetic or even sterile saline to mechanically disrupt the trigger point. The decision to include a steroid depends on the individual’s condition and the healthcare provider’s assessment.
The Injection Process and What to Expect
The healthcare provider locates the specific trigger point by feeling for the taut band and nodule. The injection site is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimize infection risk. Patients may be asked to sit or lie down.
A thin needle is inserted directly into the identified trigger point. During injection, some patients might experience a brief twitch or spasm, indicating proper needle placement. After medication is administered, the needle is removed, and pressure may be applied. Patients usually return to normal activities immediately, though mild soreness at the injection site is common for a day or two.
Conditions Treated with Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections manage various types of muscle pain. They are a common treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic condition with localized pain from trigger points. These injections also provide relief for tension headaches, often stemming from trigger points in the neck and shoulders.
Other conditions treated include chronic neck pain, back pain, and pain in the arms and legs. Fibromyalgia patients may also benefit from trigger point injections, as they address localized muscle pain. By inactivating these painful knots, the injections alleviate symptoms and improve mobility for those with persistent muscle discomfort.