trigger point injections for myofascial pain syndrome??

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

My PCP/GP has referred me to a sports medicine doctor (orthopoedist) for a

consultation about trigger point injections for my neck and back pain. It's just

a consultation, not to actually have the injections--but after reading a little

bit about trigger point injections (such as from

http://www.painandwellness.com/spinal_injections_trigger_point.html), I think

that it is a good idea for me to have the injections and see if they work.

I know that injections into joints can cause joint deterioration, but this is

not into a joint--it is into the muscles. I want to know, can trigger point

injections (lidocaine, corticosteroids, et cetera) cause muscle deterioration?

Or are they safer than joint injections?

Also, has anyone else had this procedure for myofascial pain? How did it work?

Did it help? Were there any complications? Any info would be greatly

appreciated. My appointment for the consultation is this coming Wednesday (three

days from now).

Thanks in advance,

e.h.