comparison of pulsed radiofrequency and medial branch blockage in controlling facet-originating low back pain

background and aims:  using methods such as pulsed radiofrequency (prf) and nerve blocks are among the methods used in pain clinics to treat facet-originating low back pain. this study compares two methods of pulsed radiofrequency and facet joint block (fjb)regarding pain recovery and improving disability of patients suffering from facet-originating low back pain. material and method: 50 patients with low back pain and positive response to diagnostic nerve block test with 0.5 ml of 2% lidocaine in l1-l3 and l3-l5 were included the patients were  randomly assigned to two groups of either pulsed radiofrequency at a temperature below 40 degrees or facet joint nerve block. demographic data including age, sex, pain intensity (based on vas), motor ability (based on odi) and patient satisfaction (0 = none, 10= excellent) before the treatment and at weeks 6 and 12 thereafter were recorded. findings: patients’ pain and odi significantly improved in prf group compared with fjb group at week 6 and 12 (p<0/05).  patients’ satisfaction in prf group at week 6 and 12 was significantly more than the fjb group (p<0/05). using analgesics in prf group at week 6 and 12 was significantly lower than fjb group. (p<0/05) conclusion: pulsed radiofrequency has short-term acceptable outcomes in comparison with facet joint nerve block, regarding pain recovery and ability.