Summary: Low back pain is a common issue that affects most individuals in their lives. Managing the condition is challenging, requiring prolonged treatment and even surgical interventions. In recent years, radiofrequency ablation has emerged as a safer and minimally invasive way of managing the condition. Studies show that, on average, it can provide pain relief for about 30 weeks.
Low back pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain and can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and quality of life. Low back pain is often caused by various factors such as muscle strains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
Traditionally, low back pain is managed through a combination of pain medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. However, the use of pharmacological treatments for low back pain can be associated with adverse side effects and may not be effective for all individuals. Moreover, over-reliance on drugs can lead to dependence, making it difficult to discontinue use.
In recent years, non-pharmacological methods of managing low back pain have gained significant popularity due to their effectiveness and relatively low risk of adverse effects. These methods include physical therapy, exercise, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce pain by deactivating the pain-producing nerves in the affected area. This procedure has been shown to be effective in providing long-term relief for low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for low back pain has a relatively short but rapidly evolving history. RFA for pain management was first introduced in the late 1980s and was initially used for the treatment of cancer-related pain. Over time, the use of RFA has expanded to include a wide range of painful conditions, including low back pain.
The first use of RFA for low back pain was reported in the 1990s, and since then, its use has grown rapidly. RFA involves the use of radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure and does not typically require general anesthesia.
Since its introduction, RFA for low back pain has been the subject of numerous clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness and safety.
The procedure has been shown to provide long-term relief for a significant number of patients with low back pain, and it is considered a safe and effective alternative to more invasive procedures such as surgery. Nonetheless, its ever-increasing use in clinical practice requires further and continuous investigations. Moreover, its use for managing low back pain has more than doubled in the last decade.
A new study carried out by researchers at the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, has confirmed it to be an excellent treatment for the condition. The new study was done on 232 patients with a history of opioid use. These were patients living with severe low back pain, and many have undergone various treatments for the condition. The study found that radiofrequency ablation could reduce pain, on average, by 76.6% for an average of about 30 weeks. Further, the study found an 83% improvement in the functional status of the patients.
Undoubtedly, it is a procedure that provides excellent and prolonged pain relief. However, it is worth understanding that the pain returns in most patients. However, the way pain returns after the procedure differ, with some reporting a gradual return of the pain and others abrupt.
Researchers concluded that considering the high incidence of low back pain, radiofrequency ablation might be used as one of the effective treatments that may provide prolonged pain relief for about 30 weeks in most cases. It is worth noting that researchers are looking for ways to extend its pain relief action for longer. Thus, in the future, it may even help for longer.
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The content provided herein is not intended to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice; it also does not constitute provision of healthcare services. No information in this content should ever be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional, it is provided for thoughtful discussion, informational and educational purposes only.
