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Testing platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic neck pain

Plain-English translation of NCT07119255 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) pharmacopuncture—a single injection of your own concentrated blood platelets delivered at specific acupuncture points in your neck—to see if it can relieve long-lasting neck pain caused by tension in the upper trapezius muscle. Half of participants will receive the actual PRP injection, while the other half will receive a placebo injection with salt water to help researchers fairly measure how well the treatment works. Your improvement will be checked at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the injection.

Chronic neck pain from muscle tension affects many people and current treatments don't always work well. Researchers want to know whether this medication—made from your own blood—can reduce pain and improve how your neck feels when you move and do everyday activities.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 59 years old
you have had neck pain for more than 3 months that limits your activity
your neck pain is mild to moderate (rated 30–70 on a 0–100 pain scale)
a physical exam shows your pain follows the pattern of the upper trapezius muscle in your neck
you are willing to complete the study and have signed the consent form

You likely don't qualify if…

you have low hemoglobin or platelet counts (the study needs healthy blood)
you have a current fever or active skin infection at the injection site
you have had neck surgery or have serious structural problems in your cervical spine
you are taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, or have a bleeding disorder
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have uncontrolled heart disease or diabetes

What participation looks like

You will receive a single injection at acupuncture points in your neck—either platelet-rich plasma or salt water (placebo)—and then return for pain assessments at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the injection. The entire study takes about 8 weeks, and most of your time will be spent healing at home between brief check-in visits. You will be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 2 weeks before and during the study period.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic neck pain

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations