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Which steroid works best for back pain? new study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT06268704
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two common corticosteroids (dexamethasone and methylprednisolone) used in injections for sacroiliac joint pain, a cause of lower back and buttock discomfort. Researchers will enroll 230 adults with at least two weeks of pain to see which steroid provides better pain relief. The goal is to improve treatment for this condition.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 230 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 99 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged \>18, capable of understanding and providing consent in English, capable of complying with the outcome instruments used, capable of attending all planned follow up visits * Unilateral low back/buttocks pain of at least 2 weeks. * Patient reported 7 day average of numeric pain rating score (NPRS) low back/buttocks pain of at least 5/10 at baseline evaluation * Clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain as diagnosed by a board certified Physiatrist including history of low back/buttocks pain and at least 2 positive physical exam findings (including positive fortin finger sign, pain with palpation of posterior superior iliac spine, positive FABER's test, positive Gaenslan's test, positive sacral distraction, positive thigh thrust, positive lateral compression, positive sacral thrust) * Patient consents to sacroiliac joint corticosteroid injection in a shared decision-making process with the treating physician. * 80% or more relief of index pain within first 5-15 minutes after injection Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical suspicion of alternative process is greater than clinical suspicion of sacroiliac joint pain * Those receiving remuneration for their pain treatment (e.g., disability, worker's compensation). * Those involved in active litigation relevant to their pain. * Those unable to read English and complete the assessment instruments. * Those unable to attend follow up appointments * The patient is incarcerated. * History of prior sacroiliac joint fusion * Progressive lower extremity neurologic deficit (from active radiculopathy, unhealed radiculopathy, or neuromuscular disease) * Sacroiliac joint steroid injection within the prior 12 months * 2 Positive lumbar medial branch blocks within the past 12 months * Radiofrequency ablation of the lumbar spine within the past 12 months * Lumbar facet steroid injections within the past 12 months * Prior epidural steroid injection within the prior 3 months in any location within the spine. * Possible pregnancy or other reason that precludes the use of fluoroscopy. * Allergy to steroid, contrast media, or local anesthetics. * BMI\>40. * Systemic inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus). * Active infection or treatment of infection with antibiotics within the past 7 days. * Medical conditions causing significant functional disability (e.g., stroke, decompensated ---COPD, decompensated heart failure) * Chronic widespread pain or somatoform disorder (e.g. fibromyalgia). * Addictive behavior, severe clinical depression, or psychotic features.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of New Mexico Hospital
RECRUITINGAlbuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
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