Trigger Point Injections for Muscle Pain

Trigger Point Injections Graphic

Muscle pain is one of the most common and often ongoing complaints of people seeking pain treatment. A large percentage of muscle pain is due to clusters of muscle fibers that have become tight and ropey due to injury, overuse, stress or anxiety. These knots can cause points of intense muscle pain known as “trigger points”. Chronic trigger point pain is known as chronic myofascial pain syndrome1. The word myofascial refers to the muscles and surrounding fascia.


Trigger points can lead to decreased range of motion and persistent pain that negatively impacts a person’s quality of life. While massage and techniques like the Spray and Stretch can temporarily relieve trigger point pain, other treatment modalities are often needed for greater or longer lasting pain relief. One treatment option that shows a high effectiveness in treating trigger point pain is trigger point injection.

What Causes Trigger Points to Form in Muscles?

Myofascial trigger points can form after repeated stress on a muscle. 


When a muscle is contracted repeatedly or often undergoes long periods of tension, a knot of muscle fibers can form within the muscle tissue. These knots are painful to the touch and can often cause pain to radiate into areas surrounding the affected muscle (referred pain). 


Trigger points often form in muscles that are repeatedly contracted or tensed. Jobs that require repetitive movements can increase a worker’s likelihood of developing a trigger point on a muscle. People who experience high levels of stress or anxiety may also develop trigger points. 


Individuals with chronic myofascial trigger points may be diagnosed with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. This condition causes ongoing and worsening discomfort due to myofascial trigger points. Acute myofascial pain syndrome may resolve on its own or with simple treatment.

What is a Trigger Point Injection?

Trigger point injection or TPI is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat painful muscle trigger points. TPI injects a mixture of local anesthetic and a steroid into a painful area of muscle. This combination of medication causes a tensed muscle to relax. It can also reduce pain-causing muscle inflammation.


Trigger point injection is an outpatient procedure that does not require sedation. Many patients with multiple trigger points receive multiple injections in one appointment. There is no downtime, and most patients experience pain relief and increased range of motion immediately or soon after the procedure.

Trigger Point Injections: Possible Side Effects

Trigger point injection carries few risks or side effects. Complications are very rare, and most patients with trigger point pain experience positive outcomes from the procedure.


Rarely, patients receiving trigger point injections experience pain or bleeding at the injection site. A miniscule number of patients may develop infection at the injection site. 


Allergic reaction is a rare complication of trigger point injections. Make certain that you communicate all known allergies to your pain specialist before your TPI procedure. 

Conditions Treated With Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections can provide pain relief for a number of conditions:



Myofascial Pain Syndrome
: Myofascial pain syndrome causes significant muscle pain due to the formation of muscle trigger points. These trigger points cause pain with compression of the muscle and often produce referred pain (pain in areas outside the affected muscle). Trigger point injections can treat acute or chronic myofascial pain by inducing relaxation of trigger point muscle fibers. These injections can also interrupt nerve signals that cause referred pain.


Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain, including tender areas on the body that are extremely sensitive to touch. Trigger point injections can relieve pain and tenderness in these areas and reduce overall pain in an affected muscle.


Tension headaches and migraines:
Trigger points in the head, neck, and shoulders can cause referred pain in the head and face, leading to recurring headaches. These trigger points can also contribute to the occurrence of migraines. Trigger point injections can help reduce trigger point pain and referred pain that can cause tension headaches. Patients with trigger points who suffer from migraines may also experience pain relief from TPI.


It’s important for all patients with problematic trigger point pain to discuss their condition with a pain management specialist. 

Trigger Point Injections with Pain Treatment Centers of America

Are you suffering from acute or chronic pain with trigger points? Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in trigger point injection therapy to relieve muscle caused by trigger points. 


Contact PTCOA today to learn more about treatments or to schedule an appointment. 


  1. "Myofascial Pain Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf." 10 Jul. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499882/.
July 31, 2026
Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, looking down at a phone, or driving between appointments without realizing how these habits affect their bodies. Over time, poor posture places excessive stress on muscles, joints, and the spine, leading to chronic pain that interferes with daily life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients identify the causes of persistent pain and develop bespoke treatment plans that improve function, mobility, and well-being. How Poor Posture Leads to Chronic Pain Proper posture keeps your body aligned, allowing muscles, ligaments, and joints to work efficiently. When posture is compromised—whether from slouching, hunching over a computer, or standing unevenly—certain muscles become overworked while others weaken. Such imbalance places unnecessary strain on the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, poor posture leads to chronic pain in several areas of the body, including: Neck and shoulders Upper and lower back Hips and pelvis Knees Head, leading to tension headaches Many people don’t notice the effects immediately, but repeated poor posture can gradually cause inflammation, muscle fatigue, nerve irritation, and reduced flexibility. Common Signs Your Posture May Be Causing Pain Poor posture often develops slowly, making it hard to recognize until discomfort becomes persistent. Typical symptoms include: Frequent neck or shoulder stiffness Ongoing lower back pain Muscle tightness after sitting for long periods Headaches which start at the base of the skull Rounded shoulders or a forward head position Fatigue from standing or sitting throughout the day If these symptoms continue despite rest or over-the-counter treatments, it may be time for a medical assessment. Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture Improving posture doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily changes can greatly reduce pain and prevent future problems. Consider these healthy habits: Sit with both feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Keep computer monitors at eye level to reduce neck strain. Take regular breaks to move your body throughout the day. Strengthen muscles in your core to better support your spine. Practice posture awareness while standing, walking, and lifting objects. Try not to look down at your phone for longer periods of time by raising the screen closer to eye level. These simple adjustments can reduce stress on your body and improve comfort during daily activities. When Professional Treatment Is Needed While posture correction helps many people, chronic pain may require additional medical care, especially if poor posture has caused joint dysfunction, nerve irritation, or long-term muscle imbalances. A complete evaluation can determine whether posture is causing your symptoms and identify other underlying conditions that may be involved. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include: Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation Interventional pain management procedures Trigger point or joint injections Medication management when appropriate Personalized exercise recommendations Education on body mechanics and ergonomics Combining posture correction with targeted treatment often provides the greatest long-term relief. Personalized Chronic Pain Care at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand chronic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. Our experienced providers evaluate the whole person to identify the root cause of discomfort and create individualized treatment plans that support lasting relief. Whether your pain stems from poor posture, repetitive strain, or another underlying condition, we’re committed to helping you improve mobility, restore function, and return to the activities you enjoy.  If chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, let’s customize a treatment plan that helps you stand taller, move more comfortably, and live with less pain.
June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
The Role of Nerve Blocks in Diagnosing and Treating Pain
June 1, 2026
Chronic pain can disturb daily activities and make routine tasks challenging. When pain is persistent or its source is unclear, identifying the cause...
Pain Flares: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them
May 1, 2026
Pain isn’t always constant. For many living with chronic conditions, discomfort comes in waves—periods of stability followed by sudden...
Central Sensitization: Why Some Pain Feels Worse Over Time
By Bob Berendsen April 1, 2026
If you live with Chronic Pain, you might notice your symptoms getting worse over time, even if there is no new injury or obvious reason. This can...
Get Active This Spring with Low-Impact Exercises for Pain Relief and Better Mobility
By Bob Berendsen March 12, 2026
As the weather warms and days grow longer, spring is a great time to get moving again. For those with chronic pain or recovering from injury...
Show More