Trigger point injections are a targeted treatment for myofascial pain in the face and jaw. A trigger point is a tight, painful knot within a muscle. Injecting medication directly into the trigger point releases the tension and provides fast pain relief. Our specialists use ultrasound guidance to place each injection precisely where it is needed.
At South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute, trigger point injections are a key part of our approach to treating myofascial pain, TMJ disorders, and related headaches.
Masseter. The main chewing muscle in your cheek. Trigger points here can cause jaw pain, tooth pain, and headaches.
Temporalis. The muscle near your temple. Trigger points here often cause temple headaches
Pterygoids. Deep jaw muscles. Trigger points here can cause pain behind the eye, ear pain, and trouble opening the mouth.
Neck and shoulder. Trigger points in the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid can refer pain to the head, face, and jaw.
About 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many trigger points are treated.
Ultrasound locates each point before any injection is placed.
A brief twitch is a good sign. You may feel a momentary cramp as the needle reaches the trigger point, which means it has found the target.
Relief is often fast, sometimes within minutes, and you can return to normal activities right away. Mild soreness for a day or two is normal.
Depending on your condition, you may need a single session or a short series spaced a few weeks apart. Your doctor recommends a plan based on the number and severity of your trigger points.
Trigger point injections are safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are:
Practical answers from our board-certified specialists. These questions come directly from patients we see at the clinic.
Most patients describe the injection as a brief pinch or pressure. You may feel a momentary cramp or twitch in the muscle when the needle reaches the trigger point. This sensation is normal and brief. Many patients say the discomfort is much less than the chronic pain they have been living with.
Many patients feel relief within minutes of the injection. The full effect is usually felt within a few days. How long the relief lasts depends on the underlying cause of the trigger points. When combined with other treatments like physical therapy and oral appliances, the results tend to last longer.
Some patients find relief after a single session. Others benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks, especially if they have multiple trigger points or chronic myofascial pain. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your specific situation.
Yes. Trigger points in the jaw and temple muscles are a common cause of tension headaches. By releasing these trigger points, the muscle tension that drives the headaches is eliminated. Many patients who thought they had migraines or tension headaches discover that myofascial trigger points were the real source of their pain.
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA
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We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.