"Does anxiety about getting a shot make it hurt more?"

Injections, also known as intramuscular injections, can lead to more severe pain sensations if excessive tension is present during the procedure. This method involves using a disposable syringe to draw up the medication and insert it into the muscle of the upper arm or buttocks, pushing the medication into the body for treatment. Pain, typically mild, occurs due to nerve irritation from the needle insertion. However, excessive tension may cause muscle spasms in the injection site, temporarily hardening the tissue, making it more difficult for the needle to penetrate, passively prolonging the injection time, and intensifying the pain. In rare cases, excessive muscle contraction may cause the needle to break off within the tissue, leading to severe and prolonged pain if not promptly removed. This can also result in local soft tissue infection, causing significant discomfort. Therefore, it is crucial to relax during intramuscular injections, allowing the injection site muscles to loosen, thereby reducing pain. After the injection, applying a warm towel or hot water bottle to the injection site can help promote medication absorption.