Actively Recruiting
Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points Injection for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Chronic Migraine, and Cervicogenic Headache
Led by Beijing Tiantan Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-16
1036
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points(MTrPs) Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Cervicogenic Headache
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with cervicogenic headache by at least two pain specialists or neurologists
- Disease duration of at least 3 months
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score of 3 or higher despite conservative pharmacological treatment
- Signed informed consent form
You will not qualify if you...
- History of allergy to trial medications such as corticosteroids
- Alcohol abuse or long-term opioid use exceeding 2 weeks or more than 3 days per week for over 1 month
- Suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications
- Patients on long-term steroid therapy
- Severe neurological disorders, significant liver or kidney dysfunction, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities, gastric ulcer, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Inability to use pain assessment scales
- Presence of local or systemic infection
- Pregnant or lactating patients
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single treatment session with follow-up assessments up to 24 weeks
Participants receive injections either with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) or C2 dorsal root ganglion blocks to treat chronic cervicogenic headache.
1 treatment visit and follow-up visits at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks
Duration - Up to 1 year after treatment
Participants are monitored for pain levels, headache frequency and duration, and any adverse reactions for up to 1 year after treatment.
Visits coincide with follow-up assessments through study completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China, 100070
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fang Luo
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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