How is IMS Different, and Why is it Preferrable and More Likely to Produce a Better Result?

A. Trigger points are the sensitive, tender foci in the taut muscle bands that are but one of the manifestations of segmental radiculo-neuropathy. Injecting trigger points has been one of the accepted means of interrupting these irritable foci, with the intent to block or destroy their ability to convey pain signals. These injections are provided as a way to anesthetize (lidocaine injections) a sensory nerve pain generator in the muscle, decrease inflammation (cortisone/steroids), or to paralyze the muscle (Botox), rather than stimulate healing of the neuromuscular pathways and spinal reflexes as IMS does. Trigger point injections treat the problem as a local phenomenum in the muscle rather than the end result of the more diffuse process of segmental neuropathy. As such, they may yield limited results as a consequence of insufficient treatment of the segments involved, as well as an inadequate time frame for the expectation of reversing supersensitivity and muscle contracture. Only after detailed examination reveals the levels to be treated is IMS used to promote a comprehensive solution to the patient's pain problem.

IMS also avoids the potentially harmful side-effects and reactions (allergy, auto-immune antibody formation, muscle necrosis) to the various medications used in trigger point injections, and so is inherently safer. Indeed, a previously positive, if even short term benefit from trigger point injections likely confirms that the patient is suffering from a neuropathic-myofascial pain syndrome that may respond to IMS.