79% of patients suffer from headaches and neck pain that is related to overworked muscles. This can be related to the muscles of the face, mainly big mastication muscles or neck and shoulder muscles. This can cause chronic pain, muscle spasms, or even damage to the teeth if the jaw muscles are overloaded.

Trigger point injections are an effective treatment modality for prompt relief of symptoms from myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial trigger points are a major cause of pain and dysfunction.

They produce pain focally and in referred pattern, often occurring in conjunction with chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders. Many trigger points will respond to physical therapy, especially in the early stage. However, chronic points react better to trigger point injections and needling.

Even dry needling may release intracellular potassium which may disrupt nerve conduction.

In addition to dry needling, local anesthetic such as lidocaine may be injected to inactivate pain endings up to 4 weeks.

A new study also shows that Botox injections may significantly reduce chronic neck pain and headaches related to muscle spasms. Botox is a drug known as a Botulinum toxin that relaxes muscles by blocking their contractions. Onset of the drug takes about 1 week and lasts up to 4 months. After that time, the muscles can once again become overactive. Treatment is recommended 1 – 4 times per year. This long-term treatment with Botox has been found to be very effective for headaches and neck pain.

All of these treatments can be comfortably done in our office by Dr.Monika Tyszkowski who is certified in Pain Management treatment for headaches and neck pain. Please call our office for details as the procedure might be covered by your medical insurance.

Contact us today if you have any questions about our Pain Relief treatment.