NCT07632820 Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07632820 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Phase 4 |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic |
| Condition | Back Pain |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 76 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-08-13 |
| Primary Completion | 2029-08-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
Phase 4 studies follow an already-approved treatment in real-world conditions to monitor long-term safety and effectiveness.
This trial targets 76 participants in total. It began in 2026-08-13 with a primary completion date of 2029-08-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * Thoracic radiculopathy * Cervical myelopathy with neurological deficit * Prior cervicothoracic spine surgery * Pregnancy or lactation * Contraindication to local anesthetic * Active malignancy * Fibromyalgia * BMI \>40 kg/m2 * Workers' compensation or active litigation related to thoracic pain * Acute herpes zoster or history of postherpetic neuralgia involving thoracic dermatomes * Current opioid use \>50 morphine milligram equivalents daily * Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders, specifically history of schizophrenia, chronic psychotic disorders, dementia * History of substance use disorder * Inability to provide informed consent
Contact & Investigator
Ryan D'Souza, MD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mayo Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07632820 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Back Pain. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
What phase is the NCT07632820 trial and what does that mean for participants?
Phase 4 studies are conducted after a treatment has been approved. They monitor long-term safety and real-world effectiveness in a broader patient population.
Is NCT07632820 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07632820 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at dsouza.ryan@mayo.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07632820 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Jacksonville, United States, Baltimore, United States, Rochester, United States, Columbus, United States and 1 additional location.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07632820 clinical trial?
NCT07632820 is sponsored by Mayo Clinic. The principal investigator is Ryan D'Souza, MD at Mayo Clinic. The trial plans to enroll 76 participants.