New study tests better pain relief after back surgery

NCT ID NCT06199999

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compared two methods of pain control for people having back fusion surgery: a nerve block given before surgery versus numbing medicine injected at the end. Researchers measured pain, inflammation, confusion after surgery, and overall recovery in 29 adults. The goal is to find which approach leads to better recovery and less opioid use.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

erector spinae plane block and local anesthetic infiltration

What this could lead to

If one method works better, it could improve pain control and reduce confusion after back surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 29 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both methods are already used, so no major breakthrough is expected.

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 DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergence Delirium intervertebral disk degenerative disorder lumbar disk degenerative disorder Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States