Pulsed vs Continuous Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Cervical Facet Joint Mediated Pain
Faceto-genic Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain Chronic, Faceto-genic Headache
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Faceto-genic Neck Pain focused on measuring Faceto-genic Cervical pain, Chronic pain, Pulsed Radiofrequency ablation, Continues Radiofrequency ablation, Medial Brunch Block
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Age 18-90;
Pain duration > 3 months
Cervical, Shoulder pain or cevicogenic Headache per Pain Diagram;
Two single blinded facet medial branch blocks (MBB) performed 30 days prior to the facet RF;
Subjects show 50% and more pain relief after each MBB (using VAS for this assessment);
Unsuccessful or poorly tolerated previous treatments including: pain control medications, chiropractic, osteopathy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, aqua therapy, Botox injection, and trigger point injection;
Exclusion Criteria:
Non-English speakers;
Refusal to sign informed consent;
Less than 50% pain relief after MBB (using VAS);
Variation in the dose of concomitant pain control medication less than 4 weeks before the procedure;
Allergy to medication or radiology contrast;
Patients with coagulation issues, those currently using anticoagulants and didn't stop them based on Allevio clinic's policy for anticoagulants;
Pregnant patients;
Any pain interventions including previous RF, MBB, infusions 90 days prior to the first MBB for the same area (Except failed Botox injection, and trigger point injection);
Sites / Locations
- Allevio Pain Management ClinicRecruiting
- Allevio Pain ManagementRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation
Continuous Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation of sensory nerves at minimum 3 levels of cervical spine with Maximum allowable temperature 50° rotation: 90.; Pulse rate: 3 Hz; pulse duration: 50 ms; 3 minutes
Radiofrequency ablation of sensory nerves at minimum 3 levels of cervical spine, burn will be made at 80° for 60 seconds.