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Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
Summary
Chronic thoracic (mid-back) pain can be difficult to treat, and there is limited evidence to guide the use of injection therapies for pain arising from muscles and surrounding soft tissues. Two commonly used treatments are trigger point injections (TPI) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks, but no studies have directly compared their effectiveness for chronic thoracic myofascial pain. The purpose of this study is to compare pain relief, physical function, emotional well-being, patient satisfaction, and safety following treatment with either an ESP block or TPI. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments. Researchers will follow participants for up to 12 weeks after the procedure and collect information through questionnaires and pain assessments.
Official title: Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block Versus Trigger Point Injection (TPI) for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
76
Start Date
2026-08-01
Completion Date
2029-08-30
Last Updated
2026-06-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine
Participants will receive an ultrasound-guided thoracic erector spinae plane (ESP) block at the thoracic level corresponding to the location of maximal pain. Under ultrasound guidance, a 22-gauge needle will be advanced into the fascial plane deep to the erector spinae muscle and superficial to the transverse process. Participants will receive 5 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine per side, with bilateral injections performed when clinically indicated for bilateral thoracic pain.
Trigger Point Injection (TPI) with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine
Participants will receive ultrasound-guided trigger point injection(s) into the thoracic paraspinal musculature at the site(s) of maximal tenderness. Under ultrasound guidance, 0.5% plain bupivacaine will be injected in volumes of 1-2 mL per injection site, with a maximum total volume of 5 mL per side and up to five injection sites per laterality.
Locations (5)
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States