Trigger point injections are a simple procedure that can have lasting and effective results on painful muscle spasms in the neck, shoulders and back. Lidocaine is injected into the spasmed muscle to relieve the pain and mechanically break the spasm. The most common side effect is localized soreness or bruising but there are no long term sequelae and unlike steroid injections, there is no limit to how often in a lifetime the procedure can be performed. If this procedure may be helpful for your current condition, it may be offered at the time of your office visit or scheduled as a separate procedure. It is billed separately from the office visit and currently not billed directly to insurance.