Trigger point injections and intramuscular injections

These are injections into muscle spots (often in the neck and shoulder area) that cause severe pain when touched (knots).
There are multiple options to treat these so-called trigger points. These options range from dry needling (repeatedly sticking a sterile needle into the sore point to break up the knot) to injection of local anesthetics (novocaine - type numbing medication) combined with steroids. If trigger point injections work well but only for a short time, then injections with botulinum toxin can be considered.

While trigger point injections are usually superficial (close to the skin) and are done without fluoroscopy (X-ray) assistance, some intramuscular injections are deep and are often done with fluoroscopy. One example of a deep muscle injection is the piriformis muscle injection.

Trigger point injections are usually minor procedures and overall very safe.

Rare complications include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and puncturing of lung with potential for dropped lung (pneumothorax) if the injection is done close to the rib cage. Deeper injections carry the risk of damage to adjacent organs.
 

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