The study involved 171 patients who had moderate-to-severe back and leg pain for an average of 14 years. They were treated in one of 11 comprehensive pain centers. About 90 percent had undergone back surgery and a majority had taken opioids.
The researchers split the patients into two treatment groups: HF10 therapy with high-frequency stimulation of 10 kilohertz applied for short periods or traditional SCS with low-frequency stimulation applied for long periods.
Neurosurgery published the findings from the clinical trial.
Here are seven observations:
1. At three months, 80 percent of the patients who underwent HF10 therapy reported back and leg pain decreased by at least half.
2. At three months, only 44 percent of traditional SCS patients experienced decreased back pain by half and 55 percent of patients experienced decreased leg pain by half.
3. Seventy-six percent of HF10 patients saw decreased back pain, while only 49 percent of traditional SCS patients saw decreased back pain, at the two year-follow up.
4. At two years follow up, more HF10 patients (73 percent) saw decreased leg pain than traditional SCS patients (49 percent).
5. On average, HF10 patients reported decreased back pain by 5 points on a zero to 10 rating scale. Traditional SCS patients saw a three-point decrease in back pain on the scale.
6. Of those patients receiving HF10 therapy, 60 percent reported being “very satisfied” with their treatment. Forty percent of traditional SCS patients reported satisfaction with their treatment.
7. Based on their findings, researchers concluded HF10 therapy offers a more significant relief of back pain without associated numbness. Next, they plan to research whether HF10 therapy would work for other chronic pain problems, too.
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