Cortisone Shots for Neck Pain (NCT03534531) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Cortisone Shots for Neck Pain
United States12 participantsStarted 2018-07-19
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if cortisone shots in the neck are helpful in patients with certain MRI findings. Additionally, the investigators hope to learn if cervical facet joint steroid injections are beneficial in the subset of patients with MRI findings consistent with facet joint synovitis.
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:
* at least 18 years old
* Patient who will be getting a neck cortisone shot for pain that has been there for at least 4 weeks
* A specific MRI finding (increased Short Tau Inversion Recovery signal) around 1 or more of the joints in the neck
Exclusion Criteria:
* Those receiving disability, worker's compensation, or are involved in litigation related to their pain.
* Those unable to read English and complete the assessment instruments.
* Those unable to attend follow up appointments
* The patient is incarcerated.
* Grade 2 or greater spondylolisthesis at the involved or adjacent segments.
* History of prior posterior cervical surgery. Anterior cervical surgery is not an exclusion criteria.
* Progressive motor deficit, and/or clinical signs of myelopathy.
* Prior neck cortisone shots within the past 6 months.
* Possible pregnancy or other reason that precludes the use of fluoroscopy.
* Allergy to contrast media or local anesthetics.
* BMI\>35.
* Systemic inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus).
* Active infection or treatment of infection with antibiotics within the past 7 days.
* Chronic widespread pain or somatoform disorder (e.g. fibromyalgia).
* Addictive behavior, severe clinical depression, or psychotic features.
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.