Post-lesion Administration of Dexamethasone to Prevent the Development of Neuritis After Radiofrequency Ablation
Post-lesion Administration of Dexamethasone to Prevent the Development of Neuritis After Radiofrequency Ablation
Chronic neck and back pain has become one of the leading causes of disability and loss of
 productivity. For many patients with facet or sacroiliac joint mediated pain who have
 responded to diagnostic nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation of the nerves innervating the
 joints can provide long term relief. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively safe
 procedure with minimal risk of adverse events. However, with any procedure involving damage
 to the peripheral nervous system, there is risk of post-procedure neuropathic pain. The
 investigators will test the hypothesis that dexamethasone injection delivered at the time of
 lesion effectively prevents the development of post-ablation neuritis through a
 placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial in patients undergoing cervical, thoracic,
 lumbar, and sacroiliac joint radiofrequency denervations
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients with a diagnosis of either cervical, thoracic, or lumbar facet or sacroiliac
 joint pain who have responded to medial branch blocks and are already scheduled for
 bilateral radiofrequency ablations

 -  age greater than 18 years old

 -  English speaking

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patient not previously scheduled for radiofrequency ablation of the cervical,
 thoracic, or lumbar facets, or sacroiliac joints

 -  on anticoagulation

 -  have a pacemaker

 -  age less than 18 years old

 -  non-English speaking