High-voltage pulsed radiofrequency treatment for chronic lower back pain

High-Voltage Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion for the Treatment of Chronic Lumbar Radicular and Neuropathic Pain; A Prospective, Doble-blinded and Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa · NCT06264297

This study is testing if a new high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency treatment can help people with chronic lower back pain feel better compared to the standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorConsorci Sanitari de Terrassa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Terrassa, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT06264297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on patients suffering from chronic lumbar radicular and neuropathic pain. It is a prospective, double-blinded, and randomized controlled trial designed to compare the outcomes of high-voltage PRF against standard PRF. Participants will be carefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including the presence of unilateral pain and confirmation of symptoms through MRI and EMG. The goal is to determine if high-voltage PRF can provide better pain relief and functional improvement for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with unilateral pain radiating to the lower extremity and a confirmed diagnosis of radicular syndrome lasting three months or more.

Not a fit: Patients with non-radicular low back pain or those with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve pain management for patients with chronic lumbar radicular and neuropathic pain.

How similar studies have performed: While pulsed radiofrequency has been explored in pain management, the specific approach of high-voltage PRF is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over 18 years of age.
* Unilateral pain radiating to the lower extremity (with or without lumbar pain), which clinically corresponds to the path of the corresponding dermatomes.
* Correlation between clinical symptoms and lesion observed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
* Radicular syndrome of three months or more of evolution.
* Normal or pathological electromyogram (EMG).
* Pain with neuropathic characteristics confirmed by the DN4 neuropathic pain questionnaire.
* Patients with a previous positive block diagnosis.
* Patients who have signed the informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 18 years of age.
* Patients with non-radicular low back pain.
* MRI not consistent with the patient\'s symptoms.
* Patients with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.
* Patients with a history or current diagnosis of serious mental disorder.
* Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment, or evidence of acute or subacute confusional syndrome.
* Infection at the puncture site.
* Coagulation disorders.
* Pregnant patients.
* Patients who refuse to sign the informed consent document.
* Patients allergic to radiological contrast.

Where this trial is running

Terrassa, Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pulsed RadiofrequencyLumbar Radiculopathy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.