Pulsed radiofrequency is an exciting, advanced therapy for treating pain.  This minimally invasive technique utilizes a specialized needle under x-ray guidance to deliver electric current to the problem area. Short bursts of radiofrequency waves stun the nerve.  The pain relief can last for months.  Standard radiofrequency ablation actually destroys the nerve with temperatures reaching up to 82 degrees Celcius.   These high temperatures can cause permanent irreversible damage to  certain types of nerves.  

This advancement of pulsed radiofrequency technology allows therapy of nerves that could not previously be treated with traditional radiofrequency.  However, because this is new technology, many insurance companies do not currently offer coverage.

New approach to pain pump therapy for failed back surgery syndrome.

Microdosing is a revolutionary concept in intrathecal (pain pump) treatment. Patients may obtain drastic improvement in pain symptoms and overall function while utilizing less than one percent of traditional oral narcotic doses.  This limits the side effects of the medication.  A trial of up to 5 days in the hospital is required to 'test drive' the therapy.   The decision to consider this remedy should be arrived at only after other more conservative methods including spinal cord stimulation have been attempted.  There is a significant patient component involved since all narcotics must be stopped  at least 48 hours prior to the trial.