What is Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) therapy?

Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) is a technique for creating a controlled and safe electric field around electrodes placed on nerves. In pain therapy, these electrodes are made in the shape and size of a needle. Pulsed radiofrequency provides energy to the electrode gradually by maintaining a low temperature so that it does not damage the nerve tissue when nerve ablation is performed to relieve pain. The results of the study found that when the electric field created by PRF is applied to the nerves, the electric field will selectively only affect certain parts of the nerves that function in sending pain signals.

What cases can be treated with PRF?

PRF is used for cases of chronic pain (more than 3 months). The most common are cases of spinal pain (neck, back and waist) such as HNP (pinched nerves), facet joints and disc pain (spinal cushions). Headaches such as migraines, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches also respond quite well to PRF therapy. . Facial pain such as atypical facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia can also be treated with this procedure. In the case of cancer pain this action can also be used by changing the electrode signal to radiofrequency thermal.

What is the procedure for PRF therapy?

After it has been decided that therapy with PRF suits your complaint, laboratory tests, especially blood coagulation function, need to be carried out. During the procedure your vital signs such as heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation will be monitored closely. A local anesthetic drug will be given before the actual injection is carried out to provide comfort when the radiofrequency needle is injected. Your doctor will use a fluoroscopy (x-ray) instrument to position the RF electrode as close to the nerve as possible. Once the electrodes are in the right position then the PRF procedure is performed. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

How long will it take for the pain to go away?

You will feel a thick feeling or pain disappear for up to 6 hours after the injection, this is due to the effects of local anesthetic drugs. The effect of disappearing pain complaints due to administration of corticosteroids generally begins to be felt 2-4 days after the injection. The effects of radiofrequency itself will only be felt and reach their peak after 1-2 weeks, the effect of reducing pain due to radiofrequency will be felt slowly and you will feel better every day.

What are the risks of the PRF procedure?

In general the PRF procedure is very safe. However, all medical procedures always have risks, side effects, and possible complications. The most common side effect is pain that is only temporary. Sometimes there is also bruising or discoloration of the skin at the injection site. There is a small chance of infection, but if this occurs it can be treated with antibiotics.