Overview

The purpose of this study is to better understand how people feel after a radiofrequency ablation standard of care surgery using a different type of needle (multi-tined expandable electrode/MEE) in comparison to receiving conventional medical management (CMM) techniques.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years old.
• Patients with pain lasting at least 6 months.
• Patients with history of non-radiating low back pain.
• Patient who had two diagnostic medial branch blocks (MBB) with significant (>50%) improvement on both injections.
• Patient has signed study-specific informed consent.
• Patient has the necessary mental capacity to participate and is physically able to comply with study protocol requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient with low back pain with radiation or involvement of pain going into their legs below their knees.
• Patient did not receive satisfactory relief from diagnostic MBB (<50% relief).
• Patient is unable to receive radiation exposure.
• Patient is currently pregnant.
• Patient has a current local overlying low back or systemic infection.
• Patient currently receiving or seeking workers compensation, disability remuneration, and/or involved in injury litigation.
• Known or suspected drug or alcohol abuse.
• Diagnosed psychiatric disease (e.g., schizophrenia, major depression, personality disorders) that could interfere with study participation.
• Patient is participating in an investigational study or has been involved in an investigational study within 3 months prior to evaluation for participation.
• Patient has an implanted intrathecal pump or spinal neuromodulation device.
• Patient currently on daily oral morphine equivalent (OME) of 50.