Pulsed radiofrequency and ozone injection: A winning combo for herpes zoster pain relief!

Tackling the painful aftermath of herpes zoster is no easy feat, especially for middle-aged and elderly adults. A novel research published in “The Clinical Journal of Pain” aimed to investigate if combining pulsed radiofrequency therapy (PRT) with computed tomography-guided dorsal root ganglion ozone injection could be a game-changer in managing acute herpes zoster neuralgia.

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial with 164 middle-aged and elderly patients, participants were divided into two groups: one received PRT plus ozone injection (Group A) and the other received PRT alone (Group B). Researchers assessed pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and measured Gabapentin doses at various intervals before and after treatment, tracking the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and any complications. Both treatment groups demonstrated a reduction in NRS scores, and Gabapentin use compared to baseline.

However, Group A experienced significantly greater pain relief and required less Gabapentin than Group B. Additionally, Group A had a lower incidence of PHN at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Both groups reported no adverse reactions post-treatment. Ozone injection combined with PRT outperformed PRT alone in managing acute herpes zoster neuralgia, offering extended pain relief, lower medication needs, better quality of life, and a reduced risk of PHN, all without side effects.