Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain

Background and aims:  Using methods such as pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and nerve blocks are among the methods used in pain clinics to treat facet-originating low back pain. This study compares two methods of pulsed radiofrequency and facet joint block (FJB)regarding pain recovery and improving disability of patients suffering from facet-originating low back pain.

Material and Method: 50 patients with low back pain and positive response to diagnostic nerve block test with 0.5 ml of 2% lidocaine in L1-L3 and L3-L5 were included The patients were  randomly assigned to two groups of either pulsed radiofrequency at a temperature below 40 degrees or facet joint nerve block. Demographic data including age, sex, pain intensity (based on VAS), motor ability (based on ODI) and patient satisfaction (0 = none, 10= Excellent) before the treatment and at weeks 6 and 12 thereafter were recorded.

Findings: Patients’ pain and ODI significantly improved in PRF group compared with FJB group at week 6 and 12 (p<0/05).  Patients’ satisfaction in PRF group at week 6 and 12 was significantly more than the FJB group (p<0/05). Using analgesics in PRF group at week 6 and 12 was significantly lower than FJB group. (p<0/05)

Conclusion: pulsed radiofrequency has short-term acceptable outcomes in comparison with facet joint nerve block, regarding pain recovery and ability.