Conventional Radiofrequency, Pulse Radiofrequency, and TENS for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain (NCT02942147) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Conventional Radiofrequency, Pulse Radiofrequency, and TENS for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain
60 participantsStarted 2014-01
Plain-language summary
Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy with those of the conventional radiofrequency and pulse radiofrequency therapies.
Design: A single-blind randomized controlled trial
Setting: An outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic
Subjects: The study included 60 patients who presented with a complaint of chronic low back pain prevailing at least for 3 months and who were diagnosed with facet joint syndrome.
Interventions: The patients were randomized into 3 groups so that Group 1 (n: 20) patients would receive conventional radiofrequency therapy, Group 2 (n: 20) patients conventional TENS procedure for 15 days and Group 3 (n: 20) patients pulse radiofrequency therapy.
Main measures: The patients were assessed before treatment, and at month 1 and 6 for pain (visual analogue scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), lumbar movements (hand-floor distance), functional status (20-meter walking times, 6-min walking distances), quality of life (Short Form 36), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* The study included patients who presented to the outpatient clinics of these units with the complaint of chronic low back pain prevailing for at least 3 months that had not responded to previous medical treatment
Exclusion Criteria:
The patients who were excluded from the study consisted of those who had:
* coagulation disorder
* history of malignity
* mental disorder
* psychiatric disorder
* pregnancy
* prior low back surgery
* advanced (grade 3-4) spondylolisthesis defect
* extruded and sequestrated disk hernia
* spinal narrow canal
* cauda equine syndrome
* history of systemic inflammatory disease
* advanced cardiac deficiency
* diagnosis of pulmonary disease
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.