Overview
Trigger point injections are a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to treat muscle “knots”, tight, tender bands of muscle tension that fail to relax. These knots can irritate surrounding nerves and refer pain to other areas, leading to tension-type headaches, migraine aggravation, but also neck pain and shoulder pain.
Trigger point injections are an evidence-based therapy in headache medicine, particularly when muscle tension plays a significant role in a patient’s symptoms. According to studies, trigger points in the neck and shoulders are present in up to 85% of patients with chronic tension-type headaches and are also common in migraine sufferers.
How Trigger Point Injections Work
A trigger point forms when a muscle becomes tight and contracts without relaxing, often due to poor posture, stress, repetitive strain, or injury. This tension reduces blood flow to the muscle, increases inflammation, and causes pain both locally and in referred areas.
Trigger point injections deliver a small amount of local anesthetic (sometimes combined with a corticosteroid) directly into the knot. This:
- Breaks the pain cycle by relaxing the contracted muscle fibers
- Restores blood flow to the area
- Reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
- Improves mobility and reduces referred pain patterns that can trigger headaches
- For patients with migraines or tension-type headaches, reducing muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can significantly decrease headache frequency and severity.
Who Can Benefit from Trigger Point Injections
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Frequent tension-type headaches or migraines worsened by muscle tension
- Neck and shoulder stiffness or pain
- Headaches triggered by stress, posture, or physical strain
- Pain that is tender to the touch and worsens with pressure on certain spots
- Chronic myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
Trigger point injections are often part of a comprehensive headache management plan alongside other therapies such as medication, physical therapy, and stress management.
What to Expect During the Procedure
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Consultation
Dr. Saad Kanaan will examine your muscles to identify the trigger points responsible for your symptoms. -
Preparation
The skin over the area is cleaned, and the injection site is precisely located by palpation. -
Injection
A very fine needle is inserted into the muscle knot. Most patients feel a brief sting or cramp when the needle reaches the trigger point — this is often followed by a release in tension. -
Duration
The procedure usually takes 5 minutes, and you can return to daily activities right away.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
- Quick pain relief. Some patients experience improvement within minutes
- Reduced headache frequency by addressing muscle-related triggers
- Improved neck and shoulder mobility
- Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
- Can be repeated safely as needed
- Targets the root cause when muscle tension is a major factor
Trigger point injections are often part of a comprehensive headache management plan alongside other therapies such as medication, physical therapy, and stress management.
Risks & Side Effects
Trigger point injections are generally very safe, with side effects being mild and temporary. These may include:
- Soreness or mild bruising at the injection site
- Temporary discomfort during the injection
- Rarely, dizziness or lightheadedness immediately after
Dr. Kanaan uses precise anatomical knowledge and sterile technique to minimize these risks.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Most patients can return to work or daily activities immediately
- Mild soreness may occur for 1–2 days and can be relieved with gentle stretching or ice
- Maintaining good posture and doing prescribed stretching exercises can help extend the benefits
- Repeat sessions may be recommended for chronic muscle tension or recurrent headaches
Why Choose Dr. Saad Kanaan for Trigger Point Injections
- The Only Headache Specialist in Dubai with American Board Certification and Fellowship training in headache medicine.
- Advanced fellowship in Headache Medicine at Harvard Medical School
- Over 10 years of experience treating complex headache and pain disorders in the U.S. and Dubai
- Over 20,000 trigger point injections performed
- Skilled in identifying muscle-related headache triggers and delivering precise, effective injections
- Integrates trigger point injections into a personalized treatment plan for lasting results
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