Trigger point injections vs. jet injection in the treatment of myofascial pain.

Trigger point injections using dilute solutions of local anesthetic agents have proved effective for many patients with myofascial pain. The treatment itself, however, can produce severe pain and may occasionally be associated with complications. It was determined in this study that a local anesthetic solution administered by jet injection in the area of myofascial trigger points was capable of providing short-term pain relief equal to conventional trigger point injections using a hypodermic needle and syringe. The jet injector system produced significantly less pain during treatment than conventional trigger point injections and therefore was preferred by most subjects having the opportunity to compare both forms of treatment.