Study Comparing Injections for Treating Chronic Cervicogenic Headache Using Myofascial Trigger Points or C2 Nerve Block

What this Trial Is About

Chronic cervicogenic headache is a common condition in China, particularly among older adults, and it significantly affects patients quality of life. Researchers are evaluating the long-term clinical effectiveness of glucocorticoid injections at myofascial trigger points MTrPs compared to greater occipital nerve block injections for treating this condition. This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcomes designed to determine if MTrPs injections are not inferior to nerve block injections in managing chronic cervicogenic headache. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive MTrPs injections using a solution of triamcinolone acetonide combined with lidocaine and saline, delivered with a small needle into each trigger point. The other group will receive ultrasound-guided bilateral dorsal root ganglion blocks of the C2 spinal nerve using lidocaine and triamcinolone acetonide. Both treatments are given as single bolus injections. After treatment, patients will be followed for two years to monitor their response. During the study, participants will have their pain levels recorded using the Numerical Rating Scale NRS at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Other assessments include attack frequency and duration, the Patient Global Impression of Change PGIC scale, and monitoring for any adverse reactions. The primary outcome is the NRS pain score at 4 weeks. Safety and efficacy will be carefully monitored throughout the one-year average study period, with follow-up visits scheduled at multiple time points after treatment.

Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points(MTrPs) Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Cervicogenic Headache