Minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of chronic spinal pain syndrome

Lower back pain is a prevalent global issue, with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 80% of individuals experience it at least once in their lifetime. This condition is often categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic forms, with chronic lower back pain affecting 10–15% of the population and contributing significantly to the global medical, social, and economic burden. Among the various causes of lower back pain, degeneration and inflammation of facet joints are particularly noteworthy, accounting for 15–45% of cases. These facet joint-related pains often present diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive, evidence-based treatment method for managing chronic arthrogenic lower back pain. Originally described by Shealy in 1975, RFA targets the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, disrupting pain transmission and providing significant relief for 6–18 months. Despite its clinical efficacy, most studies on RFA have focused on short-term outcomes, typically up to one year, with limited data on long-term results extending beyond two years. This literature review aims to comprehensively analyse the long-term outcomes of RFA for facet joint-related lower back pain. By examining the existing scientific research and studies, the review seeks to provide a detailed understanding of both short-term and prolonged effects of RFA, addressing gaps in current knowledge and offering insights into the efficacy of this treatment over extended periods.