Radiofrequency modulation is used in the treatment of chronic back pain caused by nerve root irritation. The nerve root is modulated by the electric current. The drug is targeted to the site of pain through various types of catheters.
How does the procedure work?
Under X-ray (mobile C-arm) navigation, a special guide needle is inserted through the patient’s sacral hiatus, which is the opening from which the nerve root emerges (intervertebral foramen), or between the links into the epidural space. A soft navigable catheter with a movable tip is then inserted through the needle. The catheter can reach the area of presumed involvement, such as the inflamed spinal nerve, in a very targeted manner. It is used to administer drugs, disrupt smaller adhesions and to diagnose the spinal cord.
The technique for performing a single neuromodulatory treatment of nerve tissue with pulsed radiofrequency in patients with chronic radicular back pain is performed using a navigable radiofrequency catheter. The method of pulsed RF treatment consists of the application of mild heat (approx. 42 °C) and an intermittent electric current to the place of the source of pain – the dorsal root ganglion (the place of entry or exit of the root nerve). The action of heat and electromagnetic field will numb the irritated nerve and interrupt the pain, or affect the perception of its intensity. The catheter is inserted into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus, a natural anatomical opening in the sacrum. The procedure is performed under permanent radiological control. The catheter also allows the drug to be delivered to the painful area via an infusion system.
- Outpatient procedure under accurate, safe and targeted X-ray control with a C-arm
- Procedure under local anesthesia
- Duration of the procedure approx. 30 minutes
If follow-up therapy is needed, we proceed to other minimally-invasive and endoscopic procedures.
