Treatment
Trigger Point Injections
Overview
Trigger point injections are a simple, in-office treatment for the muscle knots that cause neck, shoulder, and back pain. A trigger point is a tight band of muscle that stays contracted, and pressing on it can cause pain right there or send pain to another part of the body.
When these knots do not release on their own, they can limit movement and make everyday activities uncomfortable. A trigger point injection places a small amount of medication directly into the knot to help the muscle relax and to break the cycle of pain and spasm.
The procedure takes only a few minutes and has little to no downtime. For many people, it works best as one part of a broader plan that includes stretching, activity changes, or physical therapy. Our board-certified providers first examine you to confirm that trigger points are the source of your pain before treating them.
What they treat
When a trigger point injection can help
A trigger point is a tight, tender knot in a muscle that can cause pain locally or in another area. Injections may help when you have:
- Persistent knots or tightness in the neck, shoulders, or back
- Muscle spasms that do not ease with rest or stretching
- Tension-type pain that limits movement or daily activities
- Myofascial pain that has not responded to conservative care
How it works
How trigger point injections work
The injection targets the knotted muscle directly:
- A small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes with a corticosteroid, is injected into the trigger point
- This helps the muscle relax and interrupts the cycle of pain and spasm
- Relaxing the trigger point can also ease referred pain it was causing elsewhere
What to expect
What a treatment is like
Trigger point injections are done in our office and take only a few minutes:
- You may feel a brief twitch or ache as the trigger point is treated
- The visit is quick, with little to no downtime
- Some people need a short series of treatments for lasting relief
Results
What results to expect
Relief varies from person to person, and injections work best as part of a plan:
- Many people feel less pain and move more easily within a few days
- Pairing injections with stretching, physical therapy, or activity changes helps the benefit last
- Your provider reviews how you respond and adjusts the plan as needed
Safety
Are trigger point injections safe?
Trigger point injections are a common, well-tolerated procedure:
- The most common effects are temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Serious side effects are uncommon
- Treatment is performed by our experienced, board-certified providers
Our Approach
How we help
Muscle and nerve pain has many causes, so the first step is understanding where your pain is coming from. Our board-certified providers examine you, identify the trigger points involved, and treat them in our office. For many people, trigger point injections are one part of a broader plan that eases pain and restores comfortable movement.
Good to Know
Trigger Point Injections: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a tight, sensitive knot that forms in a muscle. Pressing on it can cause pain at that spot or refer pain to another area. 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 include the neck, shoulders, and lower back. By relaxing the knotted muscle, the injection can reduce both local pain and pain that was being referred elsewhere.
Do trigger point injections hurt?
The injection uses a very small needle, and most people tolerate it well. You may feel a brief twitch or ache as the trigger point is treated. The visit is quick, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and short-lived.
How long does relief last?
Relief varies from person to person. Some people feel better for weeks or longer after a single treatment, while others benefit from a short series of injections. Combining injections with stretching or physical therapy helps the results last.
Is there any downtime?
There is little to no downtime. Most people return to their normal activities the same day. Your provider may suggest gentle stretching or specific activity changes to get the most from the treatment.
Who is a candidate for trigger point injections?
They may be a good option if you have painful muscle knots or myofascial pain that has not improved with rest, stretching, or other conservative measures. Our board-certified providers will examine you and confirm whether trigger point injections are right for your situation.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Read our full medical disclaimer.
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