Dr. Sonali Lal M.D.

Dr. Sonali Lal Back Pain Evaluation
Back Specialist

Board-Certified Physiatrist specialized in spinal support & myofascial health.

Now Seeing Patients on the Upper West Side

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.

Columbia University Faculty
NY-Presbyterian Hospital
Best Doctors NYC
Dr. Sonali Lal

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:

• Lumbar Paraspinals • Quadratus Lumborum • Gluteal Muscles • Rhomboids & Trapezius • Thoracic Paraspinals

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.

1

Identification

I carefully identify the exact spinal support muscles and trigger points contributing to your symptoms.

2

Sterile Preparation

All procedures follow strict medical standards to ensure patient safety and optimal comfort.

3

Precision Release

Using a fine needle, I target the knot to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and mechanically release the muscle fibers.

Precision Back Injection

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.

Precision Imaging Therapy Plan Treatment Options Education

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.

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

Address

240 West 73rd Street, New York, NY 10023

Hours

Mon to Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM