Interventional Pain Management:Neurostimulation and Pulsed Radiofrequency

The working mechanism of neurostimulation for pain management is originally based on the gate control theory. The low intensity and low frequency stimulation as used with conventional stimulation of the dorsal columns elicits paresthesia to part of the body corresponding to the stimulated neural tissue. Recently novel targets (the dorsal root ganglion) and novel SCS-paradigms (Burst or High Frequency) were developed and tested. The stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion was documented to have advantages over the stimulation of the dorsal column for some indications. Neurostimulation has proven to be of use in failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome and painful diabetic polyneuropathy. Pulsed radiofrequency treatment relies on the application of a high intensity electric field close to the nerve. PRF is used for the treatment of different types of neuropathic pain