Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain (NCT07632820) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 4
Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain
United States76 participantsStarted 2026-08-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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:
* 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
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.