Therapeutic effect of methylene blue lumbar intervertebral disc injection and target radiofrequency combined with silver needle for the treatment of discogenic low back pain

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of methylene blue lumbar intervertebral disc injection and target radiofrequency combined with silver needle for the treatment of discogenic low back pain (DLBP). Methods Fifty patients with DLBP, collected from May 2016 to May 2017 hospitalized in Department of Pain Medicine of Taoyuan County People's Hospital, were divided into two groups (n=25) using a random number table. In combined group, patients were treated with methylene blue lumbar intervertebral disc injection and target radiofrequency combined with silver needle, in non-combined group, only methylene blue lumbar intervertebral disc injection and target radiofrequency were used. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) at preoperation and 1 week, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Results The total effective rate was 96% (24/25 cases) in combined group, which was higher than that in non-combined group 84% (21/25 cases) (P<0.05). Compared with non-combined group, the VAS and ODI were significantly decreased in combined group at 1 week, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively (P<0.05). Conclusion Methylene blue lumbar intervertebral disc injection and target radiofrequency combined with silver needle therapy can significantly improve the clinical efficacy of discogenic low back pain. Key words: Methylene blue; Pulsed radiofrequency treatment; Acupuncture therapy; Discogenic low back pain