Novel therapies for chronic cervical radicular pain: does pulsed radiofrequency have a role?

Abstract

Chronic pain in the cervical region that radiates to the shoulders and upper extremities is a common clinical problem. Van Zundert and colleagues’ article reports a randomized, double-blind trial of pulsed radiofrequency in chronic radicular neck pain patients (23 screened from 256) resulting in a statistically significant short-term efficacy measured as better global perceived effect and a 20-point reduction in a visual Analogue Scale. The trial reports no complications and displays significant reduction in analgesic use 6 months post procedure. This is the third published study highlighting the innovative application of radiofrequency (first to use pulsed radiofrequency) to treat this difficult pain syndrome.

Keywords::

• cervical radicular pain
• chronic neck pain
• dorsal root ganglion
• pulsed radiofrequency