Cervical Epidural Block in Chronic Neck Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: Participants receive a cervical epidural steroid injection for the treatment of chronic neck pain associated with cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program: Participants perform a cervical stabilization exercise program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection.

Physical Therapy Program: Participants receive a physical therapy program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection.

Study summary

Chronic neck pain can negatively affect daily activities, work ability, and quality of life. Cervical epidural block is commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation, while exercise and physical therapy aim to improve muscle strength, endurance, movement control, and physical function. However, there is limited evidence comparing cervical epidural block alone with its combined use with exercise or physical therapy.

This study aims to compare the effects of three treatment approaches in patients with chronic neck pain associated with cervical disc pathology or degenerative changes. Participants will receive cervical epidural block alone, cervical epidural block combined with cervical stabilization exercises, or cervical epidural block combined with physical therapy. Pain intensity, neck-related disability, and quality of life will be evaluated before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment using the Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey. The study will determine whether adding exercise or physical therapy to cervical epidural block provides additional clinical and functional benefits.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Pain Intensity Assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale — Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Participants rate their pain on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity. Changes from baseline will be compared among the three treatment groups.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition