RADICAL: RFD for chronic and moderate to severe low back pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Radiofrequency denervation for chronic and moderate to severe low back pain (RADICAL Study)
IRAS ID
285322
Contact name
Vikki Wylde
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN16473239
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Long-term low back pain affects around 10-15% of adults. It can significantly impair the health, mood, and daily lives of people who have it. Radiofrequency “denervation” is widely used in the NHS for patients with a specific type of low back pain, caused by the small joints between the bones in the lower back. Denervation involves placing a needle in the nerve to the painful joint, which is heated up to cause a break in the nerve. The purpose of this is to stop the nerve sending pain messages to the brain. However, we do not know if this procedure definitely reduces pain or is a good way to spend NHS money.
The RADICAL study will recruit 250 patients in 20 pain management centres and spinal clinics across the UK. Eligible patients who consent to participate will be randomised to either receive the denervation or a placebo treatment. All patients will be followed up for low back pain, functional disability, general health, and mental well-being outcomes over the next 2 years. Data used to assess the cost-effectiveness of denervation will also be collected.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0471
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion