Trigger Point Injection: A Therapeutic Propellant for Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndromes, stemming from trigger points within the muscles, represent a prevalent cause of localized or generalized pain in clinical practice. They have a high incidence rate and currently lack specific curative methods. Trigger point injection therapy is the most popular clinical approach, focusing primarily on these trigger points. Injectable drugs like glucose, normal saline, local anesthetics, botulinum toxin type A, steroid preparations, and platelet-rich plasma are available for this purpose. This treatment is advantageous due to its low cost and minimally invasive nature, showing promising results in early clinical use. However, the lack of consensus on the optimal injectable substance presents a significant challenge in clinical practice. This article reviews the progress in clinical research on trigger point injection therapy and drug efficacy, along with precautions for drug administration in managing myofascial pain syndrome. It aims to offer fresh perspectives for future studies and establish a theoretical foundation for treating and caring for myofascial pain syndrome.

Impact Statement

Given that 85% of patients with myofascial pain syndrome have persistent pain and there is no specific cure, this review explores the clinical research progress of trigger point injection in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and proposes ideas and directions for the future as to whether it is possible to relieve pain through injection therapy combined with other methods.