RecruitingPhase 4NCT07632820

Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain

Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block Versus Trigger Point Injection (TPI) for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Mayo Clinic

Enrollment

76 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Back Pain

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a drug called Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine and a drug called Trigger Point Injection (TPI) with 0.5% Plain Bupivacaine for people with back pain. The study is currently recruiting participants at 5 locations. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years to 80 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DRUGErector 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.

DRUGTrigger 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.