Trigger point injections help relieve muscle knots and chronic pain affecting the neck, back, shoulders, and other areas. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman uses precise, non-surgical treatments to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and help you return to daily activities.
Release Tight, Painful Muscles
Trigger point injections are a non-surgical treatment to relax tight bands of muscle, known as trigger points, that can cause localized pain or discomfort that radiates to other areas of the body. A small amount of medication, sometimes combined with a local anesthetic, is injected directly into the affected muscle to reduce tension, relieve pain, and improve mobility. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and can be performed in the office.
What Do Trigger Point Injections Treat?
Trigger point injections are often recommended for painful muscle knots and musculoskeletal conditions that cause ongoing discomfort, restricted movement, or pain that spreads to nearby areas. They can be used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan to improve function and reduce pain. Trigger point injections may help treat:
- Chronic muscle pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Neck pain
- Upper and lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tension headaches caused by muscle tightness
- Pain that radiates from active trigger points
- Reduced range of motion due to muscle tension
- Persistent pain following muscle overuse or injury
What Happens During Trigger Point Injections?
Your appointment begins with an evaluation to identify the muscles responsible for your pain and confirm that trigger point injections are the right treatment for you. Dr. Grossman carefully locates trigger points by examining the affected muscles and assessing tenderness, tightness, and referred pain. Once the skin is cleaned, a fine needle is inserted into the trigger point. Depending on your condition and needs, the injection may contain a local anesthetic, corticosteroid, saline solution, or simply involve dry needling.
You may feel brief pressure or a twitch as the needle enters the tight muscle, which often indicates the trigger point has been reached. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and you can usually return to your normal routine shortly afterward. Dr. Grossman will provide aftercare instructions and discuss whether additional treatments or physical therapy may further improve your results.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections:
- Relieve painful muscle knots with a targeted approach
- Reduce muscle tension and stiffness
- Improve flexibility and range of motion
- Ease pain that radiates from trigger points
- A quick, in-office treatment with minimal downtime
- Support participation in physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Minimize the need for more invasive treatments in appropriate cases
FAQs
How Quickly Will I Notice Relief?
Some people experience pain relief within hours, while others notice gradual improvement over the next several days. The timeline depends on the cause and severity of your muscle pain, the medication used, and how your body responds to treatment.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Relief can last from several weeks to several months, depending on your condition and lifestyle. For chronic muscle pain, your provider may recommend combining trigger point injections with physical therapy, stretching, or other treatments to help maintain longer-lasting results.
How Many Trigger Point Injections Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some individuals achieve meaningful relief after a single session, while others benefit from a series of injections spaced over time. Your treatment plan will be based on your symptoms, response to therapy, and goals.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive treatments. He believes in exhausting all conservative treatments before considering surgery and tailoring every treatment plan to your unique needs. If muscle pain is affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation at Grossman Spine to learn whether trigger point injections can help you find lasting relief.
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