A Randomized, Double-Blind Study Comparing High-Voltage and Standard Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Lumbar Radicular and Neuropathic Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying chronic lumbar radicular and neuropathic pain, which are difficult to manage and often have low success rates with treatment. This trial compares the effects of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency PRF to standard PRF on the lumbar dorsal root ganglion to see which method provides better pain relief. The study is designed as a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted by Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa. Participants will receive PRF treatment on the affected lumbar levels in two different groups one receiving PRF at 45 volts and the other at 65 volts. Both treatments involve three cycles of 120 seconds each, with a temperature limit of 42 degrees Celsius. The trial evaluates how varying the voltage affects neuropathic pain by targeting the dorsal root ganglion. During the study, participants will be assessed using the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire over six months to measure disability related to back pain. Additional evaluations include the DN4 neuropathic pain questionnaire, Visual Numeric Scale, categorical pain scales, and patient global impression of improvement scores. The trial is randomized and triple-blinded to ensure unbiased results, and participants will be monitored from enrollment through the six-month treatment period.

High-Voltage Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion for the Treatment of Chronic Lumbar Radicular and Neuropathic Pain; A Prospective, Doble-blinded and Randomized Controlled Trial