Pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of patients with chronic neuropathic spinal pain

In recent years there has been debate among spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain physicians regarding the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation when treating patients with a neuropathic pain source. It is usually considered as a treatment option after conservative treatment has failed. Twenty-eight patients with a minimal follow-up of 1 year were examined in our institution after they had undergone pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) procedures due to neuropathic spinal pain. Nineteen patients (68%) reported long-term pain relief (more than 1 year) which was defined as a reduction of the visual analogue score by at least 30%. No complications were found in this study except for mild discomfort in the treated area which spontaneously resolved up to 3 weeks after the procedure. We concluded that PRF is a safe and an effective procedure for patients who suffer from chronic neuropathic pain from spinal origin. It should be tried after conservative treatment has failed.