A Comparative Study of Erector Spinae Fascia (ESF) Injection and Dry Needling Combined With Functional Rehabilitation (FR) in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Who Have Undergone Spinal Surgery (SPIN-NEED)
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: infiltration of the erector spinae fascia, Dry needling, Placebo.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Back Pain Lower Back Chronic. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- France
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
Chronic low back pain represents a major public health issue, with an estimated prevalence of up to 23% in the adult population and a significant impact on quality of life and functional capacity. Among these patients, a significant proportion undergo spinal surgery-including laminectomy, discectomy, or spinal fusion-when conservative treatment has failed to provide adequate relief. Current treatment strategies involve functional spinal rehabilitation (FSR). Due to the multifaceted and complex pathophysiology of this chronic pain condition, we have previously addressed the spinal syndrome in terms of its functional and muscular component: the myofascial expression. In our clinical practice, we have introduced a minimally invasive paravertebral procedure, guided by ultrasound, targeting the fascia of the erector spinae muscles in the lower lumbar region. The goal of this procedure is to provide pain relief to the patient, enabling them to better adhere to the rehabilitative treatment (functional restoration of the spine) and ultimately improve the patient's quality of life within their environment. This evaluation of professional practices highlights a clear clinical indication in favor of infiltration of the erector spinae fascia, with a significant majority of patients reporting improved pain relief and better adherence to rehabilitation. Thus, within a coordinated, multidisciplinary care approach, this intervention appears to address patient expectations regarding comfort and leads us to consider the myofascial component of the complaint. The proposed paravertebral intervention is also appropriate in accordance with the updated recommendations, which are very restrictive in the context of a surgically treated spine (PSPS-2). This assessment of current practices justifies the implementation of a prospective controlled study. Through this study, we aim to investigate the treatment's effects and evaluate its pharmacological (via the anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids) and mechanical (via needle-induced muscle stimulation) components.
Interventions
- Procedure infiltration of the erector spinae fascia
Injection of half a vial of Diprostene 1.5 mL + Lidocaine 1.5 mL-under ultrasound guidance-targeting the erector spinae muscles medial to the posterior superior iliac spine-bilaterally - Procedure Dry needling
Dry needle insertion guided by ultrasound, with manipulation targeting the spinal erector muscles medial to the posterior superior iliac spine-on both sides. - Procedure Placebo
simulated procedure (non-invasive puncture with a stylet in the lower lumbar region, medial to the posterior superior iliac spine-on both sides).
Primary outcome measures
- Change in lumbar functional disability [Time frame: between day 0 (intervention) and 3 months after intervention]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Pain evaluation [Time frame: day 0, 1 month, 3 months]
- Quality of life evaluation [Time frame: Day 0, 1 month, 3 months]
- lumbar function evaluation [Time frame: Day 0, 1 month, 3 months]
- Measuring the patient's avoidance behaviors [Time frame: Day 0, 1 month, 3 months]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Patient with chronic back pain, with previous surgery
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with specific or common low back pain
- Patients receiving posterior subcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
- Patients with a life expectancy of less than 12 months
- Patients with a contraindication to corticosteroid injections (coagulation disorder)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
- Patients with cognitive and/or psychobehavioral disorders
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
France · 1 center
- Emerald Coast Clinic — St-Malo
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07555496 · 2025-14-CDE