Home-based exercise after cervical epidural steroid injection for neck and arm pain
Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Program After Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether adding an eight-week home exercise program after a cervical epidural steroid injection helps adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy have less pain and better neck function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Necmettin Erbakan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya, Turkey) |
| Trial ID | NCT07506785 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy confirmed by MRI and pain of at least 3 months' duration. All participants receive a cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection and are randomly assigned to either injection alone or injection followed by an eight-week standardized home-based exercise program. The primary outcome is neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index at 12 weeks, with secondary outcomes including pain intensity, quality of life, and sleep quality. The protocol emphasizes initiating rehabilitation during the window of pain relief after injection to potentially enhance neuromuscular recovery and long-term function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with chronic (≥3 months) cervical radicular pain from MRI-confirmed disc herniation, average pain ≥4/10, and insufficient response to prior conservative treatments are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with signs of cervical myelopathy, progressive neurological deficit, suspected serious spinal pathology, or contraindications to epidural steroid injection are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding a home-based exercise program after injection could reduce long-term neck disability, lower pain levels, and improve sleep and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows epidural steroid injections often give short-term pain relief and exercise programs can improve function, but randomized evidence specifically testing post-injection home exercise programs is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 70 years. * Chronic cervical radicular pain lasting ≥3 months, characterized by neck pain with accompanying arm pain consistent with a cervical nerve root distribution. * Average pain intensity ≥4/10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) over the preceding 7 days at baseline. * Diagnosis of chronic cervical radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation, confirmed by clinical examination and cervical MRI findings at the corresponding level. * Insufficient response to conservative treatment, including physical therapy, medication, and/or exercise therapy. * Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients were excluded if any of the following were present: * Clinical signs of cervical myelopathy or progressive neurological deficit. * Suspicion of serious spinal pathology (e.g., infection, malignancy). * Contraindications to epidural steroid injection, including uncontrolled coagulopathy, anticoagulant therapy not appropriately managed, or local/systemic infection. * Pregnancy. * Prior cervical spine surgery or cervical epidural steroid injection within the prespecified washout period. * Severe musculoskeletal or neurological comorbidities that could interfere with safe participation in the exercise program. * Discordance between clinical symptoms and imaging findings.
Where this trial is running
Konya, Turkey
- Necmettin Erbakan University — Konya, Turkey, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Banu Gokcen Baydogan Tan, Medical Doctor
- Email: baydogan.g@gmail.com
- Phone: +90095058174097
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.