Scientists from Sapienza University of Rome found that minimally invasive radiotherapy combined with epidural steroid injection can significantly reduce pain in patients with sciatica (sciatic nerve inflammation). Research published in the journal Radiology.
With sciatica, the sciatic nerve is compressed by the intervertebral disc of the lumbar or piriformis muscle. This causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which radiates from the back of the pelvis to the back of the thigh. Treatment is usually symptomatic, but in many cases traditional approaches fail.
Epidural steroid injections are popular among unresponsive patients. However, the duration of the positive effect is usually short. The scientists suggested that the combination with pulsed RF therapy could increase the effectiveness of the injections. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency pulses are applied directly to the nerve roots near the spine.
A total of 351 participants with sciatic and lumbar disc herniation were randomly assigned to receive CT-guided pulsed RF therapy, steroid injections, or both.
At weeks 4, 12, and 52, participants who received pulsed radiofrequency with injections experienced greater reductions in leg pain and disability compared to participants who received steroid injections alone.
The scientists noted that the duration of action and the simplicity of the procedures make it possible to recommend a combination of radiofrequency impulse therapy and steroid injections for most patients with sciatica for whom other treatment methods have not helped.