New electrode design may extend pain relief for common back condition

This study tests whether a newer multi-tined electrode provides longer pain relief than a standard single-tip electrode during radiofrequency ablation for lumbar spondylosis, a common cause of lower back pain. About 25 adults with chronic lower back pain from worn facet joints will be randomly assigned to receive the procedure with one of the two FDA-approved devices. Researchers will track pain and daily function using patient questionnaires over 12 months to see if the larger lesion created by the multi-tined electrode leads to better outcomes.