Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients with chronic lumbar facet joint pain: A prospective case-controlled study

Purpose: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and compare with the conventional physical therapy in chronic low back pain (LBP).

Materials and methods: This prospective case-controlled study included patients with chronic LBP. Their clinical and demographic data were obtained, and they were divided into two groups for conventional physical therapy and ESP blocks. Prior to treatment, on the first day, the second week, and the third month, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were evaluated.

Results: The study included 43 patients, 21 in the ESP block group and 22 in the conventional physical therapy group. The VAS in movement was higher in the ESP block group at baseline (p = 0.047). On the first day after the treatments, the ESP block group showed lower resting (p < 0.001) and movement (p = 0.001) VAS values than the conventional physical therapy group. At the end of 3 months, both groups had improved VAS and ODI scores (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion: US-guided ESP block might be considered a successful, safe, and technically simple alternative treatment in patients with chronic LBP to control pain and reduce the cost of physical therapy and lost workdays.