Targeted Treatment for Chronic Muscle Pain in NYC
Chronic muscle pain is often misunderstood—and frequently undertreated. If
you’re dealing with persistent muscle knots, stiffness, or pain that seems to
“travel” to other areas of your body, the underlying cause may be Myofascial
Pain Syndrome (MPS).
At UES Interventional Pain, we focus on identifying and treating the
physiological source of myofascial pain, not just masking symptoms.
What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition involving trigger
points—tight, hyper-irritable areas within skeletal muscle. These trigger
points can cause:
- Localized muscle tenderness
- Referred pain (pain felt away from the trigger point)
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
For example, a trigger point in the neck may be responsible for chronic
headaches, shoulder pain, or arm discomfort.
Unlike simple muscle soreness, trigger points often lie deep within muscle
tissue, making them difficult to treat with massage, stretching, or medication
alone.
Why Myofascial Pain Persists
Trigger points can develop from injury, repetitive strain, poor posture,
stress, or underlying spinal or nerve conditions. Once established, they can
create a self-sustaining pain cycle, where muscle tension reduces blood flow,
increases irritation, and perpetuates pain.
Effective treatment requires precision – both in diagnosis and intervention.
Our Interventional Approach to Myofascial Pain
We use a multi-modal, interventional strategy designed to deactivate trigger
points, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function.
Treatment options may include:
- Image-Guided Trigger Point Injections: Using real-time imaging (such as
fluoroscopy or ultrasound when appropriate), injections are delivered
precisely to the affected muscle tissue—avoiding surrounding structures and
improving accuracy. - Precision Dry Needling: A targeted technique that mechanically disrupts the
trigger point, helping the muscle relax and encouraging normal blood flow. - Advanced Nerve-Focused Interventions: In cases where muscle pain is linked
to nerve irritation or spinal pathology, interventional nerve blocks may be
used to interrupt the pain cycle. - Integrated Recovery Planning: Interventional treatment can create a critical
“reset,” allowing patients to participate more effectively in physical
therapy, rehabilitation, or movement-based recovery programs.
Your Care Team
Care at UES Interventional Pain is directed by Dr. Matthew Spiegel, a dual
board-certified physician in Interventional Pain Management and
Anesthesiology.
Dr. Spiegel is Ivy League–trained and specializes in minimally invasive,
image-guided procedures designed to treat pain at its source. His approach
emphasizes diagnostic precision, safety, and individualized care—particularly
for complex or persistent pain conditions such as Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Chronic muscle pain does not have to control your daily life. If you suspect
Myofascial Pain Syndrome—or have not found relief with conventional
treatments—interventional care may offer a more effective path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myofascial Pain Syndrome
FAQ about MPS
Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition caused by irritated
areas within muscle tissue called trigger points. These trigger points can
produce localized pain or refer pain to other parts of the body, such as
headaches originating from neck or shoulder muscles.
How is myofascial pain different from general muscle soreness?
Unlike temporary muscle soreness, myofascial pain tends to persist and
recur. Trigger points remain tight and irritable, limiting blood flow and
perpetuating pain even at rest. Stretching or massage alone often provides
only short-term relief.
What causes myofascial trigger points to develop?
Trigger points may form due to injury, repetitive strain, poor posture,
prolonged sitting, stress, or underlying spinal or nerve conditions. In
many patients, multiple factors contribute to the condition.
Can myofascial pain cause referred pain?
Yes. Referred pain is a hallmark of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. For example,
a trigger point in the upper back may cause arm pain, or a neck trigger
point may lead to chronic headaches.
How is Myofascial Pain Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical evaluation, including a physical
exam to identify trigger points, assess muscle movement, and rule out
other causes of pain. Imaging may be used to evaluate contributing spinal
or nerve issues, but trigger points themselves are usually diagnosed
clinically.
What are trigger point injections, and are they safe?
Trigger point injections involve delivering medication directly into the
affected muscle to relax the trigger point and reduce pain. When performed
with image guidance, these injections are highly targeted and considered
safe when administered by an experienced interventional pain physician.
What is the difference between dry needling and trigger point injections?
Dry needling uses a thin needle without medication to mechanically release
a trigger point. Trigger point injections deliver medication to the muscle
in addition to the mechanical effect of the needle. The appropriate option
depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes.
Will one treatment cure my myofascial pain?
Some patients experience significant relief after a single treatment,
while others require a series of interventions. Long-term improvement
often depends on addressing contributing factors such as posture,
biomechanics, or nerve irritation.
Do I still need physical therapy if I have injections?
In many cases, yes. Interventional treatments can reduce pain enough to
allow more effective participation in physical therapy, which helps
restore strength, flexibility, and long-term function.
When should I see a pain specialist for myofascial pain?
You should consider seeing a pain specialist if muscle pain lasts longer
than a few weeks, limits daily activities, causes referred pain, or has
not improved with rest, medication, or physical therapy.