Steroid injection into neck muscle trigger points versus C2 dorsal root ganglion (nerve) block for chronic cervicogenic headache

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 is a prospective, randomized, blinded-outcome, non-inferiority trial comparing two injection treatments for chronic cervicogenic headache. Enrolled adults are randomly assigned to receive either glucocorticoid injection at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) or dorsal rami/C2 nerve blocks, with procedures performed at a single center. Patients will be followed for up to two years with regular assessments of pain intensity (NRS), attack frequency, and other clinical outcomes. The trial focuses on long-term clinical efficacy and safety of the two injection approaches.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with cervicogenic headache by at least two pain specialists or neurologists;
* Disease duration of at least 3 months;
* Age between 18 and 65 years;
* Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 3 despite conservative pharmacological treatment;
* Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergy to trial medications such as corticosteroids;
* Alcohol abuse; long-term use of opioids (exceeding 2 weeks or more than 3 days per week for over 1 month); suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications; patients on long-term steroid therapy;
* Severe neurological disorders, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities, gastric ulcer, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, etc.;
* Inability to use pain assessment scales;
* Presence of local or systemic infection;
* Pregnant or lactating patients.

Where it's running

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fang Luo
• Email: 13611326978@163.com
• Phone: +86 13611326978

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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.