Muscle Pain

Constant, achy pain can be caused by muscle tension. Also known as myalgia, muscle pain can be the result of a prolonged inflammatory condition. While myalgia can occur almost anywhere in the body, symptoms most commonly present in the neck or between the shoulders. Pain may be mild or severe, constant or intermittent, and may be worsened by certain postures or activities. Pain may also be accompanied by muscle spasms, which may be sufficient to limit normal activities of daily living. While symptoms are often effectively managed by more conservative approaches — like physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, topical creams, and stretching regimens — more direct methods may be indicated.

At Interventional Spine of Vermont, we evaluate your muscular pain and use evidence-based medicine to design a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. This can include referrals, medication recommendations, lifestyle advice, and injection therapy procedures.

*Common trigger points for myofascial pain*

Trigger Point Injection for Muscle Pain

A trigger point injection is an injection of anti-inflammatory (steroid) along with a local anesthetic in the area of maximum tenderness; it can be profoundly beneficial when used in conjunction with physical therapy to release tight muscles and relieve pain.

Most trigger point injections are done “by feel”, but in some cases, your physician may use ultrasound guidance to visualize the exact location of the injection.

Contraindications to trigger point injections include allergy to the medication injected (usually steroids and local anesthetic) and infection at the site of injection. Trigger point injections are safe to do even if you are taking a blood thinner in most areas of the body.

Make an appointment today to see if trigger point injections may be used to relieve your pain.