CompletedNot Applicable

Superficial Cervical Plexus Block for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Lebanon60 participantsStarted 2017-07-04

Plain-language summary

Myofascial pain is an important cause of neck pain or neck and shoulder pain. Neck shoulder pain is a common socioeconomic problem that negatively affects the quality of life. Different treatment strategies with limited effectiveness or application have been implemented. However, medication remains a widely used approach. The levator scapulae is one of the muscles involved in myofascial pain leading to levator scapulae syndrome. The muscle limits the rotation of the neck. It is innervated by branches of the third and fourth cervical nerves through the cervical plexus. Hence, performing superficial cervical plexus block may have some potential effect in reducing myofascial pain.

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: * older than 18 years, * have neck shoulder pain non-radiating to the arm, * tenderness in levator scapulae * refractory to oral analgesics, antiinflammatory medication and physical therapy * have negative radiographs and bone scans of the shoulders and cervical spine. Exclusion Criteria: * organic disease of the brain or spinal cord, * radiculopathy, * malignancy, * hypothyroidism, * complete blood count (CBC) with high creatine phosphokinase (CPK) * myopathy, * autoimmune diseases that are associated with sub clinical myopathy, * fibromyalgia, * coagulopathy * have allergy to bupivacaine, * taking glucocorticoid and statins

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

Analgesic consumption

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03210181

SponsorMakassed General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-01-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials