For the millions of people affected by arthritis and other joint pain in the United States, pain management is an ongoing battle. A recent study by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), revealed encouraging results for managing moderate to severe osteoarthritis: it literally stunned participant studies.
According to the Science Daily article, “Novel Technique ‘Stuns’ Arthritis Pain in Shoulder and Hip,” study participants underwent a new radiology treatment called cooled radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA). This procedure places needles in and around the main sensory nerves in the shoulders and hips. These nerves are then “stunned” with a low-grade current.
The results of the study were encouraging. The 23 participants whose joint pain had been unresponsive to anti-inflammatory pain control methods and steroid injections experienced a significant decrease of pain. Those with shoulder pain experienced an 85 percent decrease in discomfort, said Dr. Felix M. Gonzalez, M.D., the physician in charge of the study. Individuals suffering from hip pain had a 70 percent reduction in pain. Both groups increased their mobility as a result.
Gonzalez called the procedure a “last resort” specifically for individuals who are unable to be physically active and may be at risk of developing a narcotic addiction. Still, the positive results are encouraging for joint-pain sufferers who fall into this category.
