Comparison of Trigger Point Injections Versus Traditional Therapies in the Management of Postsurgical Pain in Patients Who Had Anterior Cervical Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of trigger point injections to manage pain after anterior cervical surgery, such as Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). This surgery often requires patients to lie on their back with their neck extended, which can cause stiffness and pain in the back of the neck, known as myofascial pain. This pain is believed to result from overuse or injury to neck and shoulder muscles, and while trigger point injections are used for chronic neck pain, their effectiveness after this type of surgery has not been studied. The study compares three approaches: a small skin injection of lidocaine (not a trigger point injection), trigger point injections with normal saline, and trigger point injections with bupivacaine hydrochloride. All injections are given by anesthesiology providers within an hour after surgery using a standardized sterile technique. Participants also receive a standard pain control regimen during and after surgery. The aim is to see if adding trigger point injections reduces pain and narcotic pain medication use. Participants will be monitored for opioid use and pain levels at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the injection. Researchers will also track the length of hospital stay. The study uses a randomized design with single blinding. Overall participation lasts through hospital discharge, typically about two days. Assessments include pain scores and opioid consumption to evaluate if trigger point injections improve pain management after anterior cervical surgery.

Trigger Point Injections in Anterior Cervical Surgery