What Is a Muscle Relaxer Shot Called?: Exploring Different Types of Injections for Muscle Pain

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

More than 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and muscle-related issues are a common cause. When oral medications are insufficient, what is a muscle relaxer shot called? The answer depends on the specific condition being treated, as several types of targeted injections are used to alleviate severe muscle discomfort.

Quick Summary

There is no single name for a muscle relaxer shot; various injections target muscle-related pain and spasms. Common types include trigger point injections for knots, Botox for spasticity, and injectable skeletal muscle relaxants like methocarbamol for acute conditions.

Key Points

No Single Name: There is no universal name for a muscle relaxer shot; the term refers to several distinct injectable treatments for muscle pain and spasms.
Trigger Point Injections: These injections target painful muscle knots with a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid to relieve myofascial pain and localized spasms.
Botox Injections: Primarily used for spasticity and neuromuscular disorders, Botox injections relax muscles by blocking nerve signals and are effective for conditions like MS and cerebral palsy.
Injectable Muscle Relaxants: Drugs like methocarbamol are available in injectable forms for acute, severe muscle pain, often used in hospital or emergency settings.
Corticosteroid Shots: Known as cortisone shots, these injections reduce inflammation around muscles and joints, indirectly providing relief from muscle pain caused by inflammatory conditions.
Expert Diagnosis is Key: The most effective treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis, so consulting a specialist like a pain management physician is crucial for determining the right type of injection.
Relief is Temporary: The duration of relief from injections varies, from weeks to several months, and treatment often works best when combined with other therapies like physical therapy.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer or single medical term for a "muscle relaxer shot." Instead, the term can refer to several different injectable treatments, each with a unique purpose, mechanism, and medication. The appropriate shot depends on the underlying cause of the muscle pain, whether it's a localized knot, widespread spasticity from a neurological condition, or acute injury-related spasms. Understanding the distinctions between these injections is crucial for effective treatment.

Trigger Point Injections: Targeting Muscle Knots

Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a common procedure used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain condition caused by sensitive, tight knots in muscles, known as trigger points. These knots can cause localized pain or refer pain to other areas of the body.

What's in the Shot?

The injection itself typically contains a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, with or without a small dose of a corticosteroid. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation over a longer period. The mechanical action of the needle entering the muscle knot can also help to break up the tension and release the spasm.

The Procedure

A healthcare provider locates the trigger point by palpating (feeling) the area. After cleaning and sometimes numbing the skin, a small needle is inserted into the trigger point to deliver the medication. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and often performed in a doctor's office.

Common Conditions Treated by TPIs

Chronic neck and back pain
Tension headaches
Fibromyalgia pain
Myofascial pain syndrome
Pain from strains and sprains

Botox Injections for Neuromuscular Disorders

Botox, a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, is an injectable medication used to treat involuntary muscle contractions and spasticity caused by certain neurological conditions. It is not a traditional muscle relaxer but works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract.

How Botulinum Toxin Works

The toxin is injected directly into specific overactive muscles. It works at the neuromuscular junction to block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This causes the targeted muscle to relax temporarily, providing relief from painful spasms and stiffness.

Conditions Treated

Botox injections are used to manage spasticity associated with conditions like:

Cerebral palsy
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Stroke
Spinal cord injuries
Dystonia

What to Expect

Relief from Botox injections typically lasts for about three to six months, after which repeat injections are necessary. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, and the effects usually become noticeable within one to two weeks.

Injectable Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Some prescription muscle relaxants, such as methocarbamol (Robaxin) and orphenadrine (Norflex), are available in injectable forms, though these are used for more acute or severe conditions and are typically administered in a clinical or hospital setting.

Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Methocarbamol works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) to the brain. The injectable form is sometimes used in the treatment of tetanus or when a fast onset of action is needed.

Orphenadrine (Norflex)

This medication acts on the central nervous system to help relax muscles. The injectable route is used for severe muscle pain and stiffness, and it works by changing how the body senses muscle pain.

Comparison to Oral Forms

Injectable forms of skeletal muscle relaxants provide a quicker onset of action compared to oral tablets but are generally reserved for more urgent or severe cases under medical supervision.

Corticosteroid Injections: Anti-Inflammatory Action

While not muscle relaxers in the traditional sense, corticosteroid injections, or "cortisone shots," are often used to treat pain that is related to muscle inflammation. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected into joints, tendons, or soft tissues to reduce swelling and pain.

The Role of Corticosteroids

By reducing the inflammatory response, these injections can help alleviate pain caused by muscle tears, tendonitis, or bursitis. This pain relief, in turn, can allow muscles to relax and enable more effective physical therapy.

How They Relate to Muscle Pain

When muscle inflammation is the primary cause of pain and tightness, a cortisone shot can effectively address the root cause, indirectly leading to muscle relaxation and improved mobility. The effect can last for several months.

Comparing Different Muscle Relaxer Shots

Here's a comparison table summarizing the key aspects of different injections used for muscle relaxation or related pain management:


Injection Type	Primary Purpose	Common Medications	Duration of Relief	Best For
Trigger Point Injection	Deactivate muscle knots and release tension	Local anesthetic (lidocaine), sometimes corticosteroid	Weeks to months	Myofascial pain syndrome, localized muscle knots
Botox Injection	Temporarily relax overactive muscles	Botulinum toxin	3-6 months	Spasticity from neurological conditions (MS, stroke)
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant (IM/IV)	Relieve acute, severe muscle spasms	Methocarbamol (Robaxin), orphenadrine (Norflex)	Shorter term; varies based on condition	Emergency treatment of severe spasms or tetanus
Corticosteroid Injection	Reduce inflammation in or around soft tissue	Cortisone (e.g., hydrocortisone, triamcinolone)	Weeks to months	Inflammation causing muscle pain, tendinitis

Conclusion: Targeted Treatment for Effective Relief

In summary, there is no single muscle relaxer shot called by a universal name. Instead, a healthcare professional will determine the most appropriate injection based on a careful diagnosis of your condition. Treatments range from trigger point injections for specific muscle knots to Botox for neurological spasticity and injectable skeletal muscle relaxants for acute situations. Corticosteroid injections, while not direct muscle relaxants, are also vital for treating inflammation that contributes to muscle pain. For individuals struggling with persistent or severe muscle-related discomfort, consulting with a pain management specialist or physiatrist is the best approach to find a targeted and effective treatment plan. The right injection, combined with physical therapy and other conservative measures, can provide substantial relief and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single name; it can be called a trigger point injection (TPI) for muscle knots, a Botox injection for spasticity, or a corticosteroid injection for inflammation. The specific name depends on the medication and the purpose of the injection.

Pain perception varies, but the injections are generally well-tolerated. Patients may feel a pinch or sting during the injection and some soreness afterward, which can be managed with ice. A local anesthetic is often used to minimize discomfort.

The duration of relief varies by injection type. Trigger point injections may last weeks to a few months, Botox injections typically last 3–6 months, and corticosteroid injections can last for months. Injectable skeletal muscle relaxants provide more immediate, short-term relief.

No, they are different but can overlap. A trigger point injection targets a specific muscle knot and contains a local anesthetic, though it may sometimes include a small dose of a corticosteroid. A cortisone shot is primarily an anti-inflammatory injection often used for joints or inflamed soft tissues.

Oral muscle relaxers are taken by mouth and absorbed slowly, having a slower but systemic effect. Injectable muscle relaxers, whether intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV), provide a faster, more targeted or profound effect and are used in clinical settings for severe or acute conditions.

Risks are generally low but can include soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. More serious side effects are rare but depend on the specific medication used; a doctor will discuss potential risks with you before the procedure.

Injections are typically recommended for individuals with specific, severe, or persistent muscle-related pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like oral medication, physical therapy, or rest. A medical professional must evaluate and determine suitability for injections.