What Are Trigger Point Injections?

If you have ever felt a tight, tender knot in your neck, shoulders, or back that just will not release, you have felt a trigger point. When these knots cause ongoing pain, a simple in-office treatment called a trigger point injection can help. Here is what they are, what they treat, and what to expect.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a tight, sensitive knot that forms in a muscle. Pressing on it can cause pain right at that spot or send pain to another area of the body. Trigger points are a common source of neck, shoulder, and back pain, and they can develop from overuse, injury, poor posture, or stress.

What do trigger point injections treat?

They are used to relieve myofascial pain, which is pain that comes from muscles and the tissue around them. Common targets are the neck, shoulders, and lower back. By relaxing the knotted muscle, the injection can ease both the local pain and any pain the knot was referring elsewhere. See our trigger point injections page for more.

How do they work?

Your provider injects a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes with a corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point. This helps the muscle relax and interrupts the cycle of pain and spasm. The needle is very small, and most people tolerate the injection well, feeling only a brief twitch or ache as the trigger point is treated.

What results can I expect?

Relief varies from person to person. Many people feel less pain and move more easily within a few days. Trigger point injections often work best as one part of a broader plan, so pairing them with stretching, physical therapy, or activity changes helps the benefit last. Some people need a short series of treatments for lasting relief.

Getting relief

If painful muscle knots are limiting your day, request an appointment or call us at (813) 684-5880. Our board-certified providers will examine you, confirm that trigger points are the source of your pain, and treat them so you can get back to good health.