. Finally, after many months of migraines and pain in my shoulders, arms and back along with my neck I couldn't deal with it anymore and went one more time to the dr. She states she believes it is myofascial pain syndrome and suggested a tens unit and medications-flexaril, ibuprofen and vicodin. I have taken vicodin before and it doesn't touch the pain. What are your suggestions for this situation-oh, she also suggested a pain specialist for "trigger injections", have you ever heard of these injections? Do they work? Probably too many questions but am eager hear responses.
Q: I have what they say now is myofascial pain syndrome this is after months of pt and no resolve there
Answers (2)
5/ 4/08 10:53pm
There is an excellent book on myofascial pain syndrome: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual by Devin Starlanyl. It's it's currently available on Amazon.com.
The best treatment I've personally found for myofascial pain is called Myofascial Release Therapy. It's usually done by massage therapists who have a special certification in myofascial release therapy. Although I believe physical therapists are often trained in myofascial release, they usually can't spend an hour doing hands on work with one patient, which is what seems to be most beneficial.
Of course, every patient is different and what works for one may not work well for another. Other treatments for myofascial pain may include:
• Spray and Stretch – A coolant is sprayed on the trigger point to lessen the pain and the muscle is stretched.
• Trigger Point Injections – A local anesthetic such as lidocaine is injected into the trigger point.
• Acupuncture – Also called dry needling, acupuncture can be effective in deactivating trigger points.
I hope you're able to find a treatment to bring you some relief soon.
Karen
3/ 7/10 11:26pm
DON'T GIVE UP! I have had approx 22 injections in my back, shoulder and neck areas over the past 3 1/2 years. The first 6 were lidocaine...the second 4 were lidocaine...the third time was 8 injections of botox...and the fourth time I had 4-5 injections of buprovicaine...I have not received any significant relief but don't give up hope...these injections have worked for some people...I have also been doing physical therapy (land and water) for about 2 years of this time. It helps me maintain a few good days every week. I don't want to take the pain medication on a regular basis...I don't enjoy the fuzzy brain...but I take it minimally to keep my pain at a tolerable stage...rest, heat and sometimes ice with 1/2 doses pain meds has helped me achieve tolerance. I have tried many different drug therapies. I can't say my pain is better...maybe I am just getting used to it! Nonetheless...keep moving! DO NOT let it take you down...I push my way through minor household duties, socialize with friends/family (leave the whine at home)...endure as much as possible and recognize when I am not in control. I have not worked for approx. 1 1/2 years...my job requires heavy lifting! I am considering a pain clinic...can anybody give me insights to pain clinics? I am skeptical because nothing has helped yet.
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Hi,
I too suffer from myofascial pain. Mine is caused by the many issues I have with my back; multi-level degenerative disc disease, disc protrusions, herniated disc, arthritis and sciatica. I had fallen down 2 flights of stairs as a teenager and have had back pain since. When you are 15 they pretty much blow you off when you say "my back hurts". But finally last year of having enough of the pain (I'm 36) I went to see my doctor. I had an MRI done which showed very little..only a protruding disc (the hosptial did a terrible job of reviewing my MRI's) so they sent me to a pain management doctor who put me on drugs and did injections, and sent me to physical therapy. Which did nothing. So I went to a new pain management doctor who was wonderful! He ordered another MRI which showed all of the above issues. After several different drug therapies and injections, I still wasn't feeling relief. I was then sent to a nuerosurgeon who recommended spinal fusion to fix the lumbar but it won't fix my other symptoms.
I was at my wits end when a friend told me to go see her doctor. He is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. Being very skeptical, I agreed to go. He explained I have a sublaxation in my upper cervial neck. It has put the rest of me out of alignment. I thought ok I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Well I have been going for 3 months and I have to you, it was the BEST thing I could have done. My muscles have finally started to relax. While I am not a 100% I am confident I will be. I am now off the nerve medicine that I was on for my sciatica and the pain meds (I only use Excerdrin now-I have an allergy to Ibuprofin).
Check out their website www.uppercervialcare.com. There are several doctors all over the US and Europe. It's worth the drive. They are very committed doctors who actually care about your health and getting better. (without the use of drugs).