Chronic Trapezius, Upper Back & Low Back Pain, Treated Without Surgery
Deep, persistent muscular pain from thickened, restricted fascia — often following a whiplash injury or years of chronic tension — precisely diagnosed with real-time ultrasound and treated with a low-risk, in-office procedure.
Free Consultations & Personalized Case Review
Diagnoses We Commonly Treat
Trapezius Myofascial Pain
Deep, aching pain and tightness across the top of the shoulders and neck.
Chronic Whiplash-Associated Pain
Lingering neck, trapezius, and upper back pain following a whiplash injury, such as from a car accident.
Upper Back & Interscapular Pain
Chronic pain between the shoulder blades from restricted, thickened fascia.
Chronic Myofascial Low Back Pain
Persistent low back pain driven by restricted fascia and muscle rather than a joint or disc problem.
Myofascial Trigger Points
Taut, tender bands of muscle and fascia that refer pain to nearby areas.
Nerve Entrapment Within Fascia
Small nerve branches compressed or irritated by surrounding thickened fascia.
This list is not exhaustive. We evaluate and treat many other musculoskeletal conditions — contact us to schedule a consultation for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
An Accurate Diagnosis Is the Treatment That Matters Most
Chronic myofascial pain is often mistaken for arthritis, a pinched nerve, or a disc problem because the symptoms can overlap. Every evaluation at OCMSK includes a real-time diagnostic ultrasound exam, so we can assess exactly how tight and restricted your fascia is — and rule out other causes — before anything is treated.
This is especially important after whiplash, where pain can persist long after the initial injury has healed, driven by fascia and small nerve branches that remain restricted and irritated.
Fascia Hydrodissection, All Ultrasound-Guided
A low-risk, in-office option specifically developed for chronic myofascial pain — including cases following a whiplash injury — that hasn't responded to conservative care.
Fascia Hydrodissection
An ultrasound-guided injection procedure that uses fluid — and, when needed, the enzyme hyaluronidase — to loosen thickened, restricted fascia and free the small nerve branches running through it.
Learn more about fascia hydrodissection →
Prolotherapy
Dextrose-based injections that stimulate the body's own healing response in chronically irritated muscle and fascia.
Neuromodulation (IOVERA° & SPRINT PNS)
Targeted, medication-free options that calm the pain-signaling nerves contributing to chronic myofascial pain.
Trigger Point Injections
Precisely placed injections into taut, tender bands of muscle to release chronic tension and pain.
Evidence-based, always. We do not offer unregulated peptide therapies or unproven "stem cell" treatments — only safe, well-studied therapies supported by peer-reviewed research.
Common Questions
What is chronic myofascial pain syndrome? +
It's a chronic pain condition driven by thickened, restricted fascia and taut, tender bands of muscle — commonly affecting the trapezius, upper back, and lower back. It can develop after a whiplash injury or from years of chronic muscle tension, and it often persists after the original injury has otherwise healed.
Can chronic whiplash pain be treated years after the injury? +
Yes. Many patients with chronic whiplash-associated pain still have restricted, thickened fascia and entrapped nerve branches long after the original injury, even years later. Fascia hydrodissection is designed to directly address that restriction, regardless of how long ago the injury occurred.
Why does ultrasound guidance matter? +
Blind injections frequently miss their target. Every procedure at OCMSK is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, so the diagnosis is confirmed visually and treatment is delivered to the exact restricted tissue causing your pain.
How many procedures will I need? +
Usually 2–3 fascia hydrodissection procedures total are sufficient. The first procedure is often relieving on its own; hyaluronidase is added on a second procedure only if needed.
Is this covered by insurance? +
We accept PPO plans through Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Healthcare, as well as Medicare PPO, and coverage varies by treatment. Note that fascia hydrodissection — our primary treatment for chronic myofascial pain — carries an out-of-pocket cost for every patient: a reduced price with accepted insurance, or a self-pay price without. Self-pay patients are welcome with transparent, accessible rates. Call us and we will help verify your benefits.
What happens at the first visit? +
A full history and physical exam plus a diagnostic ultrasound of the affected area — so you leave with an accurate diagnosis, an understanding of every factor contributing to it, and a clear treatment plan.
Find Out If You're a Candidate for Non-Surgical Treatment
Call or email today — we'll answer your questions and schedule your consultation with Dr. Salamatipour.
Free Consultations & Personalized Case Review400 Newport Center Dr, Suite 602-A, Newport Beach, CA 92660 · PPO insurance, Medicare PPO, & self-pay accepted