Chronic pain can affect nearly every aspect of life. From making it difficult to sleep and work to limiting social activities, ongoing pain can feel overwhelming and isolating. Unlike short-term pain from injury or illness, chronic pain persists for months—or even years—and requires a comprehensive, personalized approach to achieve meaningful relief.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can affect both the body and mind, impacting daily activities, sleep, work, and overall quality of life. It often stems from multiple sources, and understanding the underlying cause is key to developing an effective treatment plan.
Common sources of chronic pain include:
- Musculoskeletal issues: Arthritis, back pain, or joint problems
- Neuropathic pain: Nerve damage or compression
- Migraines and persistent headaches
- Pain from chronic conditions: Fibromyalgia or other long-term illnesses
Living with chronic pain can also take a toll emotionally. Many patients experience frustration, anxiety, stress, or depression as a result of ongoing discomfort.
At Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, TX, Dr. Martin McElya and his team specialize in evaluating and treating chronic pain. They focus on targeted interventions, such as trigger point injections, combined with personalized therapies and lifestyle guidance to help patients regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve overall well-being.
Comprehensive Evaluations for Lasting Relief
Managing chronic pain effectively begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. McElya reviews your medical history, conducts a detailed physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests when needed to pinpoint the root causes of pain and any contributing lifestyle or health factors. This careful assessment allows him to develop a personalized treatment plan that targets the underlying issues, helping patients reduce discomfort, restore function, and improve overall quality of life.
What Are Trigger Point Injections and How They Help
Trigger point injections, also known as myofascial injections or “dry needling,” provide precise relief for chronic or persistent muscle pain by addressing tight knots in the muscles. This treatment is especially useful for patients who have already tried other pain management strategies without full success.
Benefits of trigger point injections include:
- Directly targeting the source of muscle tension for effective relief
- Reducing discomfort and improving day-to-day function
- Restoring mobility and supporting participation in physical therapy or exercise
- Enhancing overall quality of life when other treatments fall short
At Neighborhood Medical Center, Dr. McElya uses these injections as a precision-based approach to complement ongoing pain management, helping patients achieve meaningful results and improved long-term function.
Benefits and What to Expect From Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections provide targeted relief for chronic or persistent muscle pain, helping patients address the root cause rather than just masking symptoms.
Some of the key benefits include:
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Reduced Muscle Tension: Injections help release tight knots and spasms in muscles, easing discomfort.
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Improved Mobility: By relaxing affected muscles, patients often regain flexibility and range of motion.
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Enhanced Daily Function: Relief from muscle pain can make it easier to perform everyday activities and participate in physical therapy or exercise.
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Quick, Targeted Relief: Most patients experience noticeable improvement shortly after treatment.
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Complement to Existing Therapies: Trigger point injections work well alongside medications, lifestyle adjustments, and therapy when other methods have provided limited relief.
Dr. McElya targets specific muscle knots with a small numbing injection to relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve circulation. This minimally invasive treatment is typically well-tolerated, can be repeated as needed, and helps enhance quality of life for patients with chronic muscle pain.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Chronic pain often affects mental health. The stress of living with ongoing discomfort can contribute to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. At Neighborhood Medical Center, Dr. McElya emphasizes the importance of emotional wellness alongside physical care. Patients are provided with resources, guidance, and support to help manage stress, maintain a positive outlook, and stay engaged in their daily lives.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Addressing chronic pain early is crucial. Prompt evaluation allows Dr. McElya to identify underlying issues before they worsen, helping patients preserve mobility, reduce long-term reliance on medications, and prevent complications. Those who seek care sooner are more likely to achieve lasting relief and maintain a higher quality of life.
Take Control of Your Pain
Chronic pain doesn’t have to define your life. At Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Dr. McElya provides personalized, evidence-based care designed to reduce discomfort, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. By combining medical treatments, physical therapy, and holistic lifestyle strategies, patients gain the tools they need to take control of their health and live life more fully.