SuspendedNot Applicable

PNS vs RFA for Facet Joint Pain

Stopped: No participants have been enrolled to date. The study is currently under consideration for early termination due to recruitment challenges.

United States70 participantsStarted 2026-02-20

Plain-language summary

Radiofrequency ablation of the medial nerve is the current surgical treatment for back pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. However, this procedure causes denervation of spinal muscles. Peripheral nerve stimulation is another treatment for facet joint pain that may not cause damage to the spinal muscles. This study will compare both treatments in terms pain relief and spine biomechanics.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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

. Age range (18-80 years): The age range of the patient population at Hershey Medical Center with facet pain is 24 to 90 years old, with a mean age of 63 years old. Due to the physical tests planned in the study, the maximum age limit will be restricted to 80 years old.
. English Speaking: Adults who only speak other languages will not be included because of the lack of feasibility of employing reliable instruments and interviewers fluent in other languages.
. Facet Joint Pain: male and female patients having a diagnosis of facet joint pain based upon accepted diagnostic criteria (i.e., two positive nerve blocks) and assessed by an experienced physical therapist or physician.
. Indication for Surgical Procedure: Physical therapy is the first line of action for facet joint pain. If PT is not effective, patients are eligible for RFA or PNS.

Exclusion criteria

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.

What they're measuring

Multifidus muscle activity

Timeframe: pre-treatment

Multifidus muscle activity

Timeframe: within two weeks of treatment completion

Multifidus muscle activity

Timeframe: 12 months after pre-treatment measurement

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05952518

SponsorPenn State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Facet Joint Pain trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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

. Age range (18-80 years): The age range of the patient population at Hershey Medical Center with facet pain is 24 to 90 years old, with a mean age of 63 years old. Due to the physical tests planned in the study, the maximum age limit will be restricted to 80 years old.
. English Speaking: Adults who only speak other languages will not be included because of the lack of feasibility of employing reliable instruments and interviewers fluent in other languages.
. Facet Joint Pain: male and female patients having a diagnosis of facet joint pain based upon accepted diagnostic criteria (i.e., two positive nerve blocks) and assessed by an experienced physical therapist or physician.
. Indication for Surgical Procedure: Physical therapy is the first line of action for facet joint pain. If PT is not effective, patients are eligible for RFA or PNS.