Multi-modal imaging to track myofascial neck and shoulder 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 2 randomized study builds on Phase 1 findings that identified candidate imaging biomarkers for myofascial pain. Eligible adults with chronic neck or shoulder pain and palpable active trigger points will undergo MRI, surface electromyography (sEMG), and fiber‑optic imaging before and after treatment. Participants are randomized to receive either a local chemical injection (lidocaine/bupivacaine mix) or dry needling at the identified trigger point, with two visits about two weeks apart and patient‑reported outcome questionnaires collected. Imaging and clinical data will be analyzed to see if the biomarkers detect treatment‑related changes and predict longer‑term clinical responses.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults between the ages of 18 and 80 years old.
2. History of spontaneous (non-provoked) pain in the neck and/or shoulder region lasting at least 3 months. Neck and/or shoulder pain, unilateral or bilateral.
3. Presence of a palpable myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in one or both upper trapezius muscles.
4. The participant has a Numeric Pain Rating Scale of 4/10 or more in the last one week, and the pain is reproducible by palpating the trigger point.
5. Pain localized to the area of the trigger point that is reproduced or worsened upon palpation.
6. Radiation of pain to the head, neck, or face with palpation is allowed but not required.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age \<18 or \>80 years old.
2. Acute cervical spine pathology, trauma (e.g. whiplash) or cervical radiculopathy
3. History of surgery involving the head, neck, or shoulder girdle.
4. Presence of neuromuscular pathologies or inflammatory muscle diseases (e.g. dermatomyositis)
5. Systemic disease with diffuse body pain (e.g. system lupus erythematosus)
6. Peripheral neuropathy
7. Cancer-related pain
8. Pregnancy, coagulopathy or other bleeding disorder, fever, general/local infection at the pain site, substance abuse, or any other diseases that may account for signs and symptoms mimicking myofascial pain.
9. Contraindication to MRI
10. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or chronic Lyme disease.
11. Use of acupuncture or changes in pain medications within 6 weeks of enrollment.
12. Receipt of Botox injection to the neck/shoulder region within the past 3 months or trigger point injection within the past 6 weeks.

Where it's running

• Washington University
  St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Andre Guthrie, BS
• Email: guthriea@wustl.edu
• Phone: 3142732556

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.