UnknownPhase 3

Short Terms Effects of Medial Branch Block vs Para-spinal Muscle Injection in Patients With Non-specific CLBP

Canada84 participantsStarted 2014-08

Plain-language summary

This study compares the efficacy of medial branch block (MBB) vs. paravertebral deep intramuscular (PDI) injection for pain relief in chronic low back pain. Based on randomization in first intervention session, one side receives MBB and the other side takes PDI and in second session the pattern reverses.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * CLBP of non-malignant origin fulfilling the following criteria: * Pain lasting for at least three months * Pain in both the left and right sides of the back * Pain below the L2 vertebral body * Lumbar spine CT scan or MRI done in the last 2 years * Average visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain ≥4/10 on each side for the 3 days * Cognitive and physical ability to provide informed consent in English or French Exclusion Criteria: * Neurologic signs or symptoms suggesting nerve root involvement * Strictly unilateral Low Back Pain (LBP) * CT scan or MRI findings suggestive of pain etiology beyond degenerative spine disease * Vascular malformations * Tumor * Infection * Fractures * DISH (Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) * Patients who have received injections of any type or acupuncture therapy to the low back in the last 3 months * Prior spine surgery * Local or systemic infection * Bleeding disorder or the use of anticoagulation medications but for low-dose aspirin * Known allergy to amid local anesthetics * Active insurance claim (CSST, SAAQ) * Uncontrolled psychiatric condition

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) measured by VAS

Timeframe: Seven days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02521519

SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03

Contact for this trial

Yoram Shir

yoram.shir@muhc.mcgill.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Low Back Pain, Mechanical trials