Successful Management of Chronic Back Pain with Lumbar Radiofrequency Denervation

Background:

The patient, a 75-year-old gentleman, had endured chronic back pain for several years. He complained of an aching pain across the lower back with radiation to the outer aspect of his legs up to the knees, sometimes extending below. He also experiences pins and needles, predominantly on the left side, with back pain and leg pain being equally severe. His pain intensified with static positions such as prolonged sitting or standing, though leaning forward while sitting provides some relief. His daily activities, including kitchen chores, were significantly impacted as he could not stand for more than 10 minutes. Walking on flat surfaces was manageable for up to 30 minutes, but navigating hills was challenging. His sleep was disturbed due to discomfort, although he did not have any bladder or bowel issues.

Previous Treatment History:

The patient was initially treated by Dr. Krishna in 2019 with left-sided lumbar radiofrequency denervation, which provided substantial relief. However, his symptoms gradually returned, leading him to seek further treatment.

Recent treatment with oral medications and physiotherapy did not help his pain.

Recent Evaluation and Treatment:

An MRI scan revealed disc degeneration and lumbar facet joint arthritis. Despite trials of medications and physiotherapy, there was no significant improvement in his condition. Dr. Krishna recommended bilateral lumbar radiofrequency denervation under fluoroscopic guidance.

Procedure and Outcome:

The radiofrequency treatment was performed, targeting the affected lumbar facet joints. The procedure was successful, providing excellent pain relief. At both 3-month and 6-month follow-ups, the patient reported significant improvement in pain. He experienced enhanced functionality and a reduction in medication usage and even managed to enjoy a holiday.

Discussion:

Lumbar radiofrequency denervation is a minimally invasive procedure recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing chronic back pain related to facet joint arthritis. It involves using heat generated by radio waves to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain from the affected joints.

Dr. Krishna’s expertise in performing radiofrequency treatments, combined with his proficiency in using fluoroscopic guidance, ensures precise targeting of the pain-generating nerves. His extensive experience in managing chronic pain has contributed to numerous successful outcomes, as evidenced by this case.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the effectiveness of bilateral lumbar radiofrequency denervation in providing long-term relief from chronic back pain and improving the quality of life. Under Dr. Krishna’s expert care, the patient achieved significant pain reduction and regained the ability to perform daily activities with ease.

For more details please visit www.painspa.co.uk.