Using a nerve block to relieve acute back pain in the emergency department

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Acute Back Pain in the Emergency Department

Not applicable Interventional Rush University Medical Center · NCT06745453

This study is testing if a nerve block can help adults with acute low back pain in the emergency department feel better and recover faster compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRush University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06745453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in reducing pain for adults with low back pain who visit the emergency department. Participants will receive either the ESPB or a placebo injection and will report their pain levels for up to 120 minutes, as well as their pain, disability, and return to work status after 7 days. The study seeks to determine both short-term and longer-term benefits of the ESPB compared to a non-active treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older presenting with isolated low back pain for less than 6 weeks.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or Spanish, are incarcerated, pregnant, allergic to amide-type local anesthetics, or have critical illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide significant pain relief and improve recovery outcomes for patients with acute low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques, suggesting potential effectiveness for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (age ≥18 years) presenting to the emergency department with isolated low back pain present less than 6 total weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Do not speak English or Spanish as a primary language
* Are incarcerated
* Have a known pregnancy
* Are allergic to amide-type local anesthetics
* Are unable to tolerate positioning for the procedure
* Have a critical illness precluding the ability to perform the procedure.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Painerector spinae plane blockemergency departmentlow back painregional anesthesianerve block
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.