Cool radiofrequency for low back pain

Credit: Ron Leishman

 Cooled radiofrequency (RF) has had good results for people with low back pain according to two new studies published in Pain Medicine. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the function of nerves so that they cannot transmit pain signals. Circulating water moderates the temperature around the electrode, which lets radiofrequency be applied to larger areas.

A US study involved 59 people with chronic back pain originating from spinal discs in the lower back. Half were treated with cooled RF for six months and half received a placebo treatment.

The RF group reported greater improvements in pain, physical function, disability and reliance on opioid pain relief than the placebo group.

The second study (from Austria) anaylsed the medical records of 126 people who had received cooled RF for sacroiliac joint pain in the lower back.A year after treatment, 67% had decreased or stopped their use of opioid pain relief, 48% had reduced pain and 85% said their quality of life had improved.

“These data are particularly encouraging because there is now additional, compelling evidence to suggest a minimally-invasive approach, such as cooled radiofrequency, can provide sustained relief to a carefully selected group of patients,” says Dr Leonardo Kapural, lead researcher (of the first study).

The studies are welcome news because current treatment strategies for back pain are not widely effective in all people.