Nerve Block vs. Injection for Upper Back Muscle Pain
Part of Pain clinical trials.
This study compares two ways to treat chronic muscle pain in the upper back: a nerve block (numbing injection near the spine) and trigger point injections (shots directly into painful muscle knots). The goal is to see which approach works better for long-lasting relief.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Age 18–80 years
- Upper back muscle pain that has lasted at least 3 months
- Pain rated 4 or higher on a 0–10 pain scale
- At least two of these: tight muscle knots along the spine, visible muscle tightness, or pain that spreads when the doctor presses on the area
- No recent spine surgery, nerve pain from pinched nerves, or active cancer
- Not pregnant, not taking high-dose opioids (morphine or equivalent), and no active substance use disorder
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This study tests whether a nerve-blocking injection in the back muscles can relieve persistent back pain in people with ankylosing spondylitis (a condition causing spine inflammation and stiffness). The injection targets specific nerves to reduce pain while your current disease treatment continues.
This trial compares two types of numbing injections (nerve blocks) used during upper back spine surgery to see which one works better for pain relief. Both techniques are already used in surgery; this study tests which may be more effective.
This study tests a new way to give a pain-relieving injection for lower back problems. If you have ongoing back pain from a disc, narrowing, or slipped bone, this treatment may help reduce your pain.
This study tests a numbing injection called an erector spinae plane block to treat sudden low back pain. It may help people who have trouble walking due to their pain and have no known cause for it.
This study compares two different injection methods to treat chronic neck pain coming from the small joints in your neck. Both methods use numbing medication to reduce pain; researchers want to see which one works better.
This trial tests whether a numbing injection near your spine can quickly relieve sudden back pain that has lasted less than six weeks. If it works, it could be a fast, non-opioid option during an ER visit.
Hear when a new Back Pain trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.