Effects of facet joint nerve block addition to radiofrequency in the treatment of low back pain

Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of radiofrequency, local anesthetic and steroid injection and combination of them for facet syndrome that is a reason of low back pain. Summary of Background Data: Basically, radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a procedure that causes tissue damage like nerves by exposing the tissue to heated electrode tip. Nerve blocking has been used as an effective pain therapy method. So we tried to compare and combine these two methods in the treatment of lumbar facet syndrome. Methods: Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=40) each consisted of 40 individuals. Local anesthesia was applied after determining the injection area by c-arm scope device. Radiofrequency was applied in Group R, a mixture of 20 mg metilprednisolone and 5 mg bupivacain was administered in Group B and combination of all these was applied in Group RB. VAS, activity and satisfaction scores were recorded before and after the procedure. Results: In Group R and Group RB, VAS and activity scores were similar except day 1, day 2 and week 1 and better than group B. Satisfaction scores of Group B were lower when compared to Group R and RB. However, satisfaction scores of Group RB were higher than those of Group R in day 1, day 2 and week 1 but there was no difference at later time points. Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that successful results can be obtained with radiofrequency thermocoagulation plus facet nerve block combination therapy in patients having lumbar facet syndrome.