Erector Spinae Plane Block vs Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This Phase 4 interventional trial compares ESP block and TPI for chronic mid-back pain caused by muscle and connective tissue issues. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either ESP anesthesia with 0.5% plain bupivacaine or TPI with the same local anesthetic, and are followed for up to 12 weeks. Outcomes include pain relief, physical function, emotional well-being, patient satisfaction, and safety, collected via questionnaires and pain assessments. The study is conducted at Mayo Clinic sites and collaborating centers, with adults aged 18–80 who meet specific chronic pain criteria."

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

Where it's running

• Mayo Clinic
  Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
• Mayo Clinic
  Jacksonville, Florida, United States Not yet recruiting
• University of Maryland
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Not yet recruiting
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
  Columbus, Ohio, United States Not yet recruiting
• MD Anderson Cancer Center
  Houston, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ryan D'Souza, MD — Mayo Clinic
• Study coordinator: Ryan D'Souza, MD
• Email: dsouza.ryan@mayo.edu
• Phone: 507-284-9696

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.