Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain

ConditionBack Pain
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phasePhase 4
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-80
SponsorMayo Clinic

About this trial

Chronic thoracic (mid-back) pain can be difficult to treat, and there is limited evidence to guide the use of injection therapies for pain arising from muscles and surrounding soft tissues. Two commonly used treatments are trigger point injections (TPI) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks, but no studies have directly compared their effectiveness for chronic thoracic myofascial pain. The purpose of this study is to compare pain relief, physical function, emotional well-being, patient satisfaction, and safety following treatment with either an ESP block or TPI. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments. Researchers will follow participants for up to 12 weeks after the procedure and collect information through questionnaires and pain assessments.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18-80 years

Chronic thoracic myofascial pain lasting at least three months

Pain intensity of ≥4 on 11-point NRS

At least two of three following conditions: Focal thoracic paraspinal pain, palpable taut band, referred pain pattern with palpation

Disqualifiers

Thoracic radiculopathy

Cervical myelopathy with neurological deficit

Prior cervicothoracic spine surgery

Pregnancy or lactation

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine
  • Trigger Point Injection (TPI) with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine

Treatment groups

76 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

Mayo Clinic

Lead sponsor

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Collaborator

Ohio State University

Collaborator

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Collaborator