Chronic Neck PainCNP-TREATNCT07787741
Cervical Epidural Block in Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program and Physical Therapy Program in people with Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy, run by Alİ Eman, MD at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Radiculopathy
- What is being tested?
- Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program and Physical Therapy Program
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2026to 1 Oct 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 to 55 years
- Neck pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of 5 or higher
Who cannot join
- History of spinal surgery
- Cervical spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Presence of a neurological deficit
- History of psychiatric disease
- Polyneuropathy
Show all 13Show fewer
- History of spinal fracture
- Pregnancy
- History of malignancy
- Known allergy to any medication used in the study
- Central sensitization
- Widespread pain
- Regional pain associated with a systemic disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Sakarya Training and Research Hospital
Adapazarı, Sakarya, 54100
YUNUS TÜRKYILMAZ, MD, +905415096040, yunusturkyilmaz54@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Cervical Epidural Block Alone Versus Combined Treatment Modalities in Chronic Neck Pain
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.
Read the detailed description
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with limitations in daily activities, reduced work capacity, and impaired quality of life. Cervical disc degeneration and herniation are among the structural conditions that may contribute to persistent neck pain. Although education, medications, exercise, and physical therapy are commonly used as conservative treatments, symptoms may persist in some patients. Cervical epidural block is used in clinical practice to reduce pain and inflammation associated with cervical disc pathology.
Exercise and physical therapy may complement the effects of cervical epidural block by improving cervical muscle strength, endurance, neuromuscular control, and physical function. However, evidence directly comparing cervical epidural block alone with its combined use with cervical stabilization exercises or physical therapy is limited. This three-group study will compare the clinical and functional effects of these treatment approaches in patients with chronic neck pain associated with cervical disc pathology or degenerative changes. The findings may help determine whether adding exercise or physical therapy to cervical epidural block provides additional benefits and may guide treatment planning for patients with chronic neck pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Radiculopathy
- Being tested
- Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program, Physical Therapy Program
- Keywords
- Cervical Epidural Injection, Cervical Radiculopathy, Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Physical Therapy, Neck Disability
- Medical subject headings
- Radiculopathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cervical Epidural Steroid InjectionProcedure or surgery
Participants receive a cervical epidural steroid injection for the treatment of chronic neck pain associated with cervical radiculopathy.
Cervical Stabilization Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants perform a cervical stabilization exercise program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection.
Physical Therapy ProgramOther
Participants receive a physical therapy program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection | Experimental | Participants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection alone. Receives: Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection |
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Participants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection combined with a cervical stabilization exercise program. Receives: Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection; Behavioral: Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program |
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Physical Therapy | Experimental | Participants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection combined with a physical therapy program. Receives: Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection; Other: Physical Therapy Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale
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.
Measured: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Neck-Related Disability Assessed by the Neck Disability Index
Neck-related disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The questionnaire consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 to 5, with a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater neck-related disability. Changes from baseline will be compared among the three treatment groups.
Measured: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The questionnaire provides Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores. Higher scores indicate better health-related quality of life. Changes from baseline will be compared among the three treatment groups.
Measured: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2026
- Primary completion1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of three parallel treatment groups: cervical epidural block alone, cervical epidural block combined with cervical stabilization exercises, or cervical epidural block combined with physical therapy.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Alİ Eman, MD
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Alİ Eman, MD, Sakarya University
- Investigators
- KEMAL NAS, MD, Professor, Principal investigator, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of AlgologyRIDVAN IŞIK, MD, Study chair, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Algology
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07787741
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SES-TEZ-2026-YT
- Acronym
- CNP-TREAT
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Cervical Epidural Block Alone Versus Combined Treatment Modalities in Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07787741
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CNP-TREAT / SES-TEZ-2026-YT
- Conditions
- Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Radiculopathy
- Keywords
- Cervical Epidural Injection, Cervical Radiculopathy, Chronic Neck Pain, Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Physical Therapy, Neck Disability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Alİ Eman, MDUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with limitations in daily activities, reduced work capacity, and impaired quality of life. Cervical disc degeneration and herniation are among the structural conditions that may contribute to persistent neck pain. Although education, medications, exercise, and physical therapy are commonly used as conservative treatments, symptoms may persist in some patients. Cervical epidural block is used in clinical practice to reduce pain and inflammation associated with cervical disc pathology.
Exercise and physical therapy may complement the effects of cervical epidural block by improving cervical muscle strength, endurance, neuromuscular control, and physical function. However, evidence directly comparing cervical epidural block alone with its combined use with cervical stabilization exercises or physical therapy is limited. This three-group study will compare the clinical and functional effects of these treatment approaches in patients with chronic neck pain associated with cervical disc pathology or degenerative changes. The findings may help determine whether adding exercise or physical therapy to cervical epidural block provides additional benefits and may guide treatment planning for patients with chronic neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of three parallel treatment groups: cervical epidural block alone, cervical epidural block combined with cervical stabilization exercises, or cervical epidural block combined with physical therapy.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection | Experimental | Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid InjectionParticipants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection alone. |
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Cervical Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Behavioral: Cervical Stabilization Exercise ProgramParticipants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection combined with a cervical stabilization exercise program. |
| Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Physical Therapy | Experimental | Procedure: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Other: Physical Therapy ProgramParticipants in this arm receive cervical epidural steroid injection combined with a physical therapy program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Aged 18 to 55 years
- Neck pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of 5 or higher
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- History of spinal surgery
- Cervical spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Presence of a neurological deficit
- History of psychiatric disease
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Epidural Steroid InjectionParticipants receive a cervical epidural steroid injection for the treatment of chronic neck pain associated with cervical radiculopathy. | Procedure or surgery | Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Cervical Stabilization Exercises, Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Physical Therapy |
| Cervical Stabilization Exercise ProgramParticipants perform a cervical stabilization exercise program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection. | Behavioural | Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Cervical Stabilization Exercises |
| Physical Therapy ProgramParticipants receive a physical therapy program in addition to cervical epidural steroid injection. | Other | Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Physical Therapy |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale
Time frame: 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.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Neck-Related Disability Assessed by the Neck Disability Index
Time frame: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey
Time frame: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
KEMAL NAS, MD, Professor principal investigator
Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Algology
RIDVAN IŞIK, MD study chair
Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Algology
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program and Physical Therapy Program in people with Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy, run by Alİ Eman, MD at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 13 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact YUNUS TÜRKYILMAZ, MD (+905415096040, yunusturkyilmaz54@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (time frame: Baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Sep 2026.