Board-Certified Physiatrist specialized in spinal support & myofascial health.
Targeted Trigger Point Injections for Back Pain
I specialize in precise, non-surgical relief for chronic back tightness, muscle spasms, and persistent tension that interferes with your daily movement.
Expertise in Spinal and Muscular Function
"Chronic back pain is not always purely a spine problem. In many cases, the muscles supporting the spine are significantly contributing to your symptoms." — Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
As an Attending Physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University, I identify the true source of your back pain. While discs and arthritis are often blamed, tight dysfunctional muscle knots are frequently the primary driver of stiffness and aching. My approach focuses on restoring healthy muscular support.
Common Back Muscle Targets:
Precise Back Pain Evaluation
Identifying whether your pain is muscular, structural, or nerve-related is essential before starting any targeted treatment.
Postural Alignment
Evaluating how sitting habits and spinal alignment contribute to chronic muscle strain.
Knot Identification
Locating the specific trigger points responsible for spasms and radiating tension.
Mobility Assessment
Assessing range of motion to determine the impact of muscle dysfunction on your movement.
Structural Screen
Determining if symptoms involve discs, facet joints, or spinal nerves (MRI review).
The Injection Experience
Trigger point injections require precision and anatomical expertise. The goal is to release dysfunctional muscle tissue contributing to back pain and restricted mobility.
Identification
I carefully identify the exact spinal support muscles and trigger points contributing to your symptoms.
Sterile Preparation
All procedures follow strict medical standards to ensure patient safety and optimal comfort.
Precision Release
Using a fine needle, I target the knot to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and mechanically release the muscle fibers.
Advanced Interventional Precision
When precision is required for deeper muscular dysfunction or coexisting spine conditions, I utilize advanced interventional expertise. As a published contributor to the Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics, I use ultrasound guidance to ensure every procedure is accurate and safe.
Ultrasound Guidance
Precision for deeper muscular structures.
Core Stabilization
Building the foundation for back health.
Ergonomic Care
Optimizing your Manhattan workspace.
Lasting Relief
Addressing the cause of muscle dysfunction.
Back Pain Recovery Success
Regain mobility and sit or walk without persistent aching. Hear how Dr. Lal's precision treatments help patients recover their function.
Jenny Salazar2024-12-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy buena Atención, el servicio de primera, sus equipos de alta tecnología muy profesionales para realizar su trabajo, yo salí muy contenta de mi cita y regresaré muy pronto, lo recomiendo mucho. BN S2024-12-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot express enough appreciation for Dr. Lal and her staff. I started seeing Dr. Lal a few years back with horrendous pain in my back and down my leg. I could not sit down. Dr. Lal’s throughout and thoughtful approach changed my life. Her trigger point and other holistic therapies have had an ongoing extraordinary impact in my day to day life. There was a time where I was visiting family and I use a weight over my head and I absolutely could not move my arm. I could not even bend my arm to use a hair band. My mom took me a doctor who said I needed surgery. When I came home and saw Dr. Lal she used her in office equipment to identify and TREAT the issue- no surgery needed. Dr. Lal’s IV treatments even healed me after 2 very bad bouts of covid whose symptoms would not let go until after her treatments. Dr. Lal is a learned professional who has overseen my health and care with the utmost kindness and respect and continues to ensure my conditions do not impact my daily life. I would be remiss to not mention Dr. Lal’s extraordinary staff. They are caring and supportive and go above and beyond to take care of their patients. Most recently I needed paperwork to address my condition and it was very intense. I was asked initially to provide a form which Dr. Lal’s staff filled out quickly and with care and as well supplied a doctor’s note without me requesting it. Then what followed was an unexpected 4 page questionnaire that needed to be filled out. Dr. Lal and her staff are so incredibly busy that hated to have to ask for more time but her staff took care of these forms so thoughtfully. Addressing each question with precision and detailed oriented, knowledgeable answers that from how the questions were posed, were incredibly difficult. It was a very nerve racking process I was going through and they never made me feel as if I was being a burden or ‘bothering’ them. It is for all of these reasons that I am loyal, grateful, and thankful to Dr.Lal and her extraordinary staff. Ruth Elias bravo2024-12-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't thank Dr. Sonali Lal and Michelle enough for everything they've done for me. Dr. Lal has been instrumental in treating my neck pain, providing me with the care and expertise I needed to recover. Michelle was an incredible help in guiding me through the workers' compensation process, making a challenging situation much easier to navigate. Thanks to their dedication and support, I not only feel better physically but also have my quality of life back. I'm truly grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend! James Ravelo2024-11-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to start by thanking Dr. Sonali and her staff at the office, without her help I would still be suffering with back and foot pain due to my fall in a construction accident, she was very clear and precise with my symptoms which is helping me have a better quality of life, this is my true story of pain suffering for four years until I found Dr. Sonali and God put her in my path, I don't know how to continue thanking her eternally for her care. Thank you for your services in the area of Pain Managment and I will always be eternally grateful for what you do and continue to do for me. I highly recommend her. Brittany Bergman2024-11-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Sonali Lal and her team are amazing! Very warm and friendly staff, and highly recommend her for both medical and cosmetic Botox! Will definitely be back soon! Fabian Irizarry2024-10-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m having the best service ever and all issues are being handled with the best care I appreciate you for everything thank you so much great workers and company O Juice2024-10-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In the last 2 decades due to a number of ailments I have been to a (felt) million doctor's offices but I have never even been close to experiencing the type of quality personalized care and been given the type attention which I have from the staff in Dr. Lal's office. The staff always goes that extra mile especially Michelle who goes above and beyond 100%. I can highly recommend them to anyone Jonathan Vidal2024-08-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love Dr. Lal and her team .They have so much experience .They really know what they are doing . Made huge progress with them after 4 surgeries. They will guide you in the right direction when choosing surgeons if needed . They don’t pressure you for anything ,everything is done at YOUR time. Brenda Ayfan2024-08-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Dr. Sonali Lal, who is undoubtedly the best pain management doctor in the Upper West Side. After struggling with debilitating and chronic back pain, I sought her expertise, and it has been life-changing. From the very first consultation, Dr. Lal impressed me with her thoroughness and compassionate approach. She took the time to understand the full scope of my pain and tailored a treatment plan specifically for me. I initially received trigger point injections, which provided some relief, but she quickly recognized that I needed more comprehensive treatment. She recommended PRP therapy, which was the best decision I have ever made. The results have been beyond my expectations. My pain levels have significantly decreased, and I am now able to engage in daily activities with much greater ease. What sets Dr. Lal apart is not only her medical expertise but also her genuine dedication to her patients’ well-being. She consistently followed up on my progress and adjusted my treatment plan as needed, ensuring that I received the best possible care. Her team was able to assist me in everything needed from start to finish. If you’re searching for a pain management specialist who combines cutting-edge treatments with an empathetic, patient-centered approach, look no further than Dr Sonali Lal, she is the one! She has truly transformed my quality of life, and I am deeply grateful for her exceptional care.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Verified Manhattan Patient Experiences
FAQs: Trigger Point Injections for Back Pain
What are trigger point injections for back pain?
They are treatments used to relieve painful muscle knots in the back and surrounding muscles that contribute to stiffness, spasms, and mobility issues.
Can they help with muscle spasms in the back?
Yes. Releasing trigger points helps relax tight muscles and reduce the frequency and severity of spasms contributing to chronic back tension.
How quickly do the injections work?
Many patients notice relief shortly after treatment, with continued improvement over the following days as muscle activation patterns normalize.
Are they safe for chronic back pain?
Yes. When performed by a board-certified specialist like Dr. Lal, these injections are safe and follow strict medical protocols for safety and precision.
Contact Us
Call
(212) 404-1009Address
240 West 73rd Street, New York, NY 10023
Hours
Mon to Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM