Objective: Interfascial space blockade is a common method for treating acute and chronic pain. This involves opening fascial adhesions and providing local anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic activity to relieve pain. Neuromodulation, which has rich nerve innervation, may enhance the effectiveness of this treatment. This study investigates the therapeutic effect of integrating neuromodulation with pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) into erector spinae plane (ESP) blockade.
Materials and
Methods: This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial that included 56 patients with upper back pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome. One group received ESP block, while the other group received ESP block and pRF. Pain improvement was monitored using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and 30 min after treatment, as well as at 2, 4, and 12 weeks.

Results: Improvement was observed in both groups with treatment at all times (Friedman; Group Block p=0.001, Group Block+pRF p<0.001). The block and pRF group had lower VAS scores at weeks 4 and 12 compared to the block only group (Mann-Whitney U; week 4 p=0.002, week 12 p<0.001).

Conclusion: At the 12-week follow-up, both ESP block and pRF treatments added to ESP block were effective in relieving upper back myofascial pain. However, the addition of pRF significantly increased the effectiveness and duration of the treatment. The interfascial space presents a potential new target for pain management through neuromodulation.