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

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Rush University Medical Center
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michael Gottlieb, MD — Rush University Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Aylin Ornelas Loredo, MMS
• Email: aylin_a_ornelasloredo@rush.edu
• Phone: 312-563-0645

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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.