Overview
Trigger point injection is a treatment used to relieve muscular pain in the lower back and surrounding areas. Trigger points develop when muscle fibres remain contracted for prolonged periods, often due to strain, poor posture, overuse, stress, or protective muscle guarding from underlying pain.
These tight muscle knots may feel tender to touch and can sometimes refer pain to nearby regions of the back, hips, or buttocks. Trigger point injections aim to relax the affected muscle fibres, reduce pain signalling, and improve blood flow within the muscle.
The treatment is commonly used alongside physiotherapy, stretching, and rehabilitation to support recovery and restore normal movement.
Who this treatment helps
Trigger point injections may be considered for people with:
- Localised muscle knots in the lower back or surrounding areas
- Myofascial pain worsened by movement or pressure
- Muscle tightness following injury, strain, or overuse
- Pain not improving with stretching, massage, or physiotherapy
- Referred pain linked to specific trigger points
- Muscle spasm limiting rehabilitation or daily activity
A consultation is required to confirm that symptoms are related to trigger points and to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
What is a trigger point injection
A trigger point injection is a targeted procedure in which a fine needle is inserted directly into a tight and painful muscle band. A small amount of local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with other medication, is injected to help relax the muscle fibres and reduce pain.
In some cases dry needling without medication may be used depending on the clinical assessment and the pattern of muscle pain.
Trigger point injections treat muscular sources of pain but do not address structural spinal problems such as disc degeneration or nerve compression.
What to expect during the procedure
- Your consultant identifies trigger points through examination
- You are positioned comfortably for the procedure
- The skin over the treatment area is cleaned
- A fine needle is inserted into the trigger point
- Medication is injected into the tight muscle band
- Multiple trigger points may be treated if required
- You are monitored briefly before leaving
The procedure is usually quick and well tolerated.
After the procedure
It is normal to experience mild symptoms shortly after treatment.
- Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
- A feeling of looseness in the treated muscle
- Temporary fatigue in the treated area
Your consultant may advise:
- Gentle stretching of the treated muscles
- Avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours
- Using heat packs if soreness occurs
- Continuing physiotherapy or strengthening exercises
Many patients notice improvement soon after treatment, while others experience gradual relief over the following days.
Benefits
- Releases tight and painful muscle knots
- Reduces local and referred muscular pain
- Improves movement and flexibility
- Quick procedure with minimal downtime
- Supports physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- May reduce reliance on pain medication
Possible risks and side effects
Trigger point injections are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians. Possible effects include:
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Mild bleeding at the injection site
- Light headedness
- Infection, which is rare
- Allergic reaction to medication, uncommon
Serious complications are rare and your consultant will explain any individual risks during your consultation.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication, have allergies, are pregnant, or have an active infection. If you feel light headed after the injection you should avoid driving until you feel fully recovered.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether trigger point injections may help manage muscular lower back pain.
You can also explore our low back pain treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about our pain management services.