The Effect of Stabilization Exercises After Radiofrequency Lumbar Facet Denervation

The Effect of Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Physical Performance After Radiofrequency Lumbar Facet Denervation

A gap of knowledge exists on the understanding of the acute effects of stabilization exercises on pain, disability and physical performance when applied after radiofrequency denervation. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to show the effects of stabilization exercises when started in acute period and also reduce the frequency of recurrence low back pain of patients with FJS after radiofrequency denervation.

Lumbar facet joint syndrome has been described as a potential cause of low back pain and affects an estimated 4% to 8% of those low back pain patients without neurological deficits or radiographic evidence of lumbar spine disease. The levels of physical performance and functional disability of the patients with lumbar FJS are affected because of the chronicity of the pain.

Radiofrequency denervation (RFD) is one of the therapautic procedures are used most commonly in treatment of facet joint syndrome. Numerous placebo-controlled trials have examined lumbar facet pain and demonstrated that RFD yields positive results in lumbar pain in properly selected patients. The lumbar stabilization exercise is based on the control of the local muscle system (multifidus, transversus abdominis, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles) responsible for ensuring segmental stability of the vertebral colon in recent years.

In the clinical trials, stabilization exercises have been shown to reduce pain, improves physical performance and prevent the recurrent low back pain by strengthing of muscles supporting the vertebral colon.

Therefore, the main objective of this study is to show the effects of stabilization exercises when started in acute period and also reduce the frequency of recurrence low back pain of patients with FJS after radiofrequency denervation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age older than 45 year, failure to improve with conservative treatment, limited functions and daily life, pain exacerbated by rest, sitting or standing

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous surgical intervention in the spine or hip, previous local injection to the lumbar spine facet joint, current treatment with a narcotic drug, impairment of cognition or speech