Study of an Anesthetic Block Using Ropivacaine and Dexamethasone to Relieve Recent Lower Back Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the treatment of recent lumbago acute lower back pain by evaluating the effectiveness of an anesthetic block of the erector spinae muscles using a combination of ropivacaine and dexamethasone. This approach is commonly used in some French institutions but has not yet been tested in a randomized placebo-controlled study to confirm its pain relief effect within the first four days of treatment. The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind trial to compare this anesthetic block to placebo during recent lumbago. Participants will receive either a single interlaminal injection of ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone or a placebo injection of sodium chloride 0.9%. The injection is administered bilaterally over specific lumbar vertebrae L4-L5 and L5-S1. Both groups will continue with usual treatment. This pilot study focuses on the first four days after injection to observe differences in pain relief and functional impact. During the study, participants will be assessed for lumbar pain during activity at multiple time points from injection up to four days. Additional measures include pain at rest, use of other lumbago treatments, functional indexes, and duration of work or activity interruption over 28 days. Researchers will also monitor for any complications. The total participation involves close monitoring of pain and function to evaluate the treatments effect over the short term.

Anesthetic Block of the Erector Muscles of the Lumbar Spine to Relieve Acute Lumbar Pain: Pilot Study