A Study Of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block Versus Trigger Point Injection (TPI) For Chronic Thoracic Myofascial Pain
Overview
Tab Title Description
Study type
InterventionalDescribes the nature of a clinical study. Types include:
- Observational study — observes people and measures outcomes without affecting results.
- Interventional study (clinical trial) — studies new tests, treatments, drugs, surgical procedures or devices.
- Medical records research — uses historical information collected from medical records of large groups of people to study how diseases progress and which treatments and surgeries work best.
Study IDs
Site IRB
- Jacksonville, Florida: 26-004708
- Rochester, Minnesota: 26-004708
About this study
The purpose of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracic ESP block versus thoracic TPI in patients with chronic thoracic myofascial pain, as measured by change in 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores from baseline to 6 weeks post-intervention.
Participation eligibility
Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.
Inclusion Criteria:
18-80 years old with chronic (>3 months) thoracic myofascial, without radiation into the upper extremities, and rated at a ≥4/10 intensity on an 11-point NRS scale
Needs to have 2 of 3: focal area of pain in thoracic paraspinal muscles, palpable taut band, and/or referred pain pattern with palpation
Exclusion Criteria:
Thoracic radiculopathy, cervical myelopathy with neurological deficit, prior cervicothoracic spine surgery, pregnancy/lactation, contraindication to injectate, active malignancy, fibromyalgia, workers’ compensation or active litigation related to thoracic pain, acute herpes zoster or history of postherpetic neuralgia involving thoracic dermatomes
BMI>40
Inability to speak English or consent,
History of schizophrenia, chronic psychotic disorders, or dementing illness
History of substance use disorder
Current opioid use >50 MME daily
Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.
Eligibility last updated 04/21/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.
Participating Mayo Clinic locations
Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.
| Mayo Clinic Location |
Status |
|
Jacksonville, Fla.
Mayo Clinic principal investigator Ryan D'Souza, M.D. |
Contact us for the latest status |
|
Rochester, Minn.
Mayo Clinic principal investigator Eva Kubrova, M.D. |
Contact us for the latest status |
|
More information
Publications
Publications are currently not available