NCT07632820 · Mayo Clinic
Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain
What this study is about
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.
View original scientific description
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.
Interventions
DRUG
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.
DRUG
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.
Primary outcome measures
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Score
Time frame: baseline, 6 weeks
A Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain is a patient-reported item regarding the level of pain experienced and is measured on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable".
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18-80 years
- Chronic thoracic myofascial pain lasting at least three months
- Pain intensity of ≥4 on 11-point NRS
- At least two of three following conditions: Focal thoracic paraspinal pain, palpable taut band, referred pain pattern with palpation
Exclusion criteria
- Thoracic radiculopathy
- Cervical myelopathy with neurological deficit
- Prior cervicothoracic spine surgery
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Contraindication to local anesthetic
- Active malignancy
- Fibromyalgia
- BMI \>40 kg/m2
- Workers' compensation or active litigation related to thoracic pain
- Acute herpes zoster or history of postherpetic neuralgia involving thoracic dermatomes
- Current opioid use \>50 morphine milligram equivalents daily
- Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders, specifically history of schizophrenia, chronic psychotic disorders, dementia
- History of substance use disorder
- Inability to provide informed consent
Where
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Columbus, Ohio
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Ohio State University, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations