Non-Steroid Injection for Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is a common condition of widespread pain and muscle fatigue, which affects 7 million to 10 million Americans, mostly women. While it affects all age groups, typically it begins in the 20s or 30s and there is no racial or ethnic group that is more predisposed to the illness.

Significance

• Injections can provide some temporary pain relief, which in turn improves a fibromyalgia patient's range of movement and ability to exercise as part of a therapy program.

Time frame

• While injections in the trigger point (areas of knotted muscles, which are unable to relax) may provide pain relief for up to a few months, there is often a delayed response of a couple days following the injection, but there is an immediate improvement in range of movement.

Process

• Injections may be done as dry needling (not injecting any medication) or be used with lidocaine or procaine, although lidocaine has fewer allergic reactions and is typically preferred for that reason. Steroids are not generally used for fibromyalgia patients, but sterile saline can be used in the event the patient is allergic to local anesthetics.

Considerations

• To help with the pain immediately following the injection, alternate moist heat and ice for one to two days. Bruising is normal, but the doctor should be contacted if redness or swelling develops.

Warning

• Injections for fibromyalgia patients with local or systemic infections, bleeding disorders or for those on anti-coagulation medication is not recommended.