Neck surgery pain relief: could a simple injection cut opioid use?

NCT ID NCT06393530

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a nerve block called an erector spinae plane block, given before cervical spine surgery, can reduce pain and the need for opioids afterward. Sixty adults undergoing neck fusion surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the anesthetic ropivacaine or a placebo (saline). The researchers measured how long it took for patients to first request opioid pain medication and how much they used overall.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ropivacaine (a local anesthetic)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a better way to manage pain after neck surgery and reduce reliance on strong painkillers.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study. The results may not apply to all patients or surgeries, and nerve blocks carry rare risks like infection or nerve damage.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SPINE FUSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

vertebral column disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Poznan University of Medical Sciences

    Poznan, Poznań, 61-701, Poland