Journal Article

A Transcutaneous Randomized Pulsed Radiofrequency Application for Spine Pain Conditions: A Case Series

Jorge, Daniel de Moraes Ferreira, Teixeira, Alexandre, Jorge, Melina Brigato Ferreira, Lana, Jose Fabio Santos Duarte, Sobreiro, Pablo, Rohof, Olav, Huber, Stephany Cares, de Oliveira, Cezar Augusto, Dos Santos, Douglas Freitas

2025

Overview

Background: Transcutaneous Randomized Pulsed Radiofrequency (TCPRF-STP) is a non-invasive therapeutic approach increasingly explored for managing spine-related pain, particularly in cases involving disc herniations and degenerative spine conditions. Objectives: To evaluate the use of transcutaneous PRF-STP in the treatment of spine pathologies and its evolution in short-term follow-up. Methods: This case series examines the outcomes of three patients treated with TCPRF-STP for varying spine pathologies, including lumbar and cervical disc herniations, lumbar stenosis, and radiculopathy. All patients had previously undergone conventional conservative therapies without a satisfactory improvement and were unwilling or unable to undergo invasive procedures. The treatment involved the application of electromagnetic fields through adhesive skin patches at targeted sites. Patients underwent three sessions of TCPRF-STP, with follow-up assessments evaluating pain and MRI. Results: Transcutaneous PRF-STP showed notable reductions in pain (VAS 0 in most cases), improvements in movement, and the restoration of normal daily activities. Follow-up MRI scans demonstrated positive structural changes in the treated discs. Although long-term recurrence occurred in one case, the patient remained active without functional limitations. Conclusions: Transcutaneous PRF-STP offers a promising, minimally invasive alternative for patients seeking to avoid surgery, though further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are necessary to establish more robust evidence of its efficacy. This technique could become an important adjunct in managing chronic spinal pain conditions, offering patients an option with minimal risk and hospital demands.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Back pain / Backache / Care and treatment / Case Report / Case reports / Computer simulation / Cytokines / disc herniation / Electric fields / Electrodes / Electromagnetic fields / Electromagnetism / Health aspects / non-invasive therapy / Oxidative stress / Pain / Patients / Skin / Spinal cord / spine pain / transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency