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Pulsed Radiofrequency, a Better Option for Treating Chronic Back Pain

by Medindia Content Team on May 19 2007 4:39 AM

Most of the people who are affected by chronic back pain can be classified into three major categories; those with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and complications from failed back surgery. Radiofrequency thermolesioning that is currently used for treating chronic back pain is considered unsuitable due to its neurodestructive nature.

Building on earlier work, a new study led by Dr. David Abejón investigates the use of an alternative treatment known as pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in treating chronic back pain. It finds that the treatment yields significant improvements for herniated disc patients and notable improvements for those with spinal stenosis. Since PRF does not involve drugs, it may be repeated multiple times. This study appears in the journal Pain Practice.

While the preexisting conditions that accompany chronic back pain, such as neurological lesions or neuropathic pain, make conventional radiofrequency a controversial treatment, Abejón notes “the use of PRF could reduce or potentially even eliminate these risks,” providing safe, effective pain relief for patients with a variety of lower back pain conditions.

Source-Eurekalert
SRM/B


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