The effect of radiofrequency denervation on anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain

Introduction. Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP), or cervicalgia, is often caused by facet joint (FJ) pathology, for which radiofrequency denervation (RFD) can be an effective treatment. The long-term outcomes (over 6 months) of RFD on pain intensity and emotional distress in patients with cervicalgia remain understudied.

Аim. To assess the effect of cervical RFD on pain and anxiety-depressive symptoms in patients with CNNP over a 6-month follow-up period.

Materials and мethods. The study included 30 patients (21 women, 9 men, mean age 63.7±15.8 years) with chronic cervicalgia caused by FJ pathology, confirmed by a positive diagnostic block. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before RFD, and at 3 and 6 months after the procedure.

Results. Following RFD, pain intensity on the NRS decreased from 7.5 to 2 at 3 months and to 3.5 at 6 months (p < 0.0001). RFD efficacy (pain reduction >50%) was observed in 73% of cases at 3 months and in 57% at 6 months. According to the HADS, the median anxiety score decreased from 9 to 8 at 3 months and to 7.5 at 6 months, while the median depression score decreased from 7 to 6 at both 3 and 6 months. A moderate positive correlation was found between pain intensity and symptoms of anxiety (r = 0.525) and depression (r = 0.605) at 6 months after RFD.

Conclusion. RFD for facet joint-mediated cervicalgia leads to a reduction in pain intensity and an alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms. To improve outcomes for cervicalgia accompanied by emotional disturbances, further research is needed to evaluate comprehensive treatment programs combining RFD with therapy for anxiety and depression.

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