Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) of Dorsal Root Ganglion

Wessex Pain Clinic

Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) of Dorsal Root Ganglion

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the dorsal root ganglion is a minimally invasive procedure used to help manage nerve-related pain. It applies controlled electrical energy near the affected nerve root to alter pain signalling without causing nerve damage.

How the Procedure Works

The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a cluster of nerve cells located just outside the spinal cord. These nerves transmit sensory information, including pain, from the body to the brain. When the DRG becomes irritated or sensitised, it can lead to ongoing, sometimes severe, nerve pain.
PRF delivers short bursts of electrical energy through a needle placed near the DRG under X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance. Unlike continuous radiofrequency, which generates heat to destroy tissue, PRF uses a pulsed approach that modifies nerve function without creating significant heat or damage. This is thought to help reset abnormal pain pathways and reduce sensitivity in the affected area.

What Conditions It Can Help With

PRF of the dorsal root ganglion may be considered for:

Chronic radicular pain (e.g. sciatica or cervical nerve pain)

Nerve pain following disc herniation

Post-surgical nerve pain

Complex cases where nerve pain persists despite conventional treatments

It is often considered when other conservative or interventional treatments have not been effective.

Aimed Benefits

The goal of epidural adhesiolysis is to:

Reduce pain caused by nerve root scarring or entrapment

Improve nerve mobility and reduce mechanical irritation

Increased ability to participate in physiotherapy or rehabilitation

Avoidance or delay of more invasive interventions

Pain relief may take a few days to develop and can vary in duration.

What to Expect

This is an outpatient procedure that typically takes around 30 minutes. You’ll lie in a comfortable position while your consultant uses local anaesthetic to numb the skin. A fine needle is placed near the targeted nerve using X-ray guidance, and test stimulation confirms correct positioning.

The pulsed radiofrequency is then applied for several minutes. Sedation may be offered to help you feel more at ease. Most patients return home the same day and are advised to rest briefly before resuming normal activities.

Risks and Considerations

All procedures carry some risks, which will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and formal consent will always be obtained before any procedure is carried out.

Combined Approach / Multidisciplinary Care

At Wessex Pain Clinic we find that the best results come from combining medical treatments with active rehabilitation. Procedures are often most effective when paired with physiotherapy, movement-based exercise, and — where appropriate — psychological support. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain and supports longer-term improvement.

Key Points Summary

Consultant-led treatment targeting the dorsal root ganglion
Uses pulsed electrical energy to reduce nerve sensitivity
Designed for nerve-related pain such as sciatica or radiculopathy
Non-destructive technique performed under image guidance
Often part of a wider pain management and rehabilitation plan

Disclaimer

Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.

At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.

Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether they are possible to drive home from yourself, please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning on driving, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards.

Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester – with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.

Marvin Woodrow

One visit and my pain problems have been resolved. Will definitely use again if the need arises. Can recommend Dr. Tom Bloomfield as he is very professional and communicates all aspects of the procedure so that it is understandable.

Jennifer Rudder

Dr Bloomfield is amazing. He has helped me so much. He clearly lives what he does and because of that is truly engaging and listens. I am so pleased with the outcome too, I feel much more myself and have confidence that my issue will become a thing of the past. I highly recommend seeing Dr Bloomfield for any issues you may have with pain.

Evie Cox

I highly recommend Dr Bloomfield at the Wessex Pain clinic! I was referred to Dr Bloomfield after 18 months of unrelenting knee pain which had stopped me from all activities I had previously enjoyed, even simply walking my dog each day. All previous treatments had been unsuccessful in reducing my pain, but Dr Bloomfield recommended trying a nerve block to reduce my pain levels. He was incredibly gentle and compassionate during the procedure and in all consultations, and his approach to managing and treating pain from all different angles in life is refreshing! Two weeks on from the procedure and I have been able to get back to walking my dog daily and I'm very much looking forward to increasing my activity levels again now that my pain levels have dropped so significantly. I can't recommend Dr Bloomfield enough, thank you for giving me back my freedom of movement!

Roger Christie

Dr. Bloomfield was very helpful, kind and considerate. He listened, discussed concerns, explained everything and gave us time, something nowadays one does not always receive. He understood the pain I was experiencing and I am hoping that the treatment options suggested will work in the long term. The clinic itself is well presented and welcoming.

Sarah Clark

I saw Dr Bloomfield this week at Wessex Pain Clinic and was incredibly impressed by both his medical knowledge and communication skills. He was efficient, empathetic, and validating throughout the appointment. I received a copy of his clinic letter just three hours after our consultation, which was outstanding. He also shared some excellent ideas for pain management interventions that felt thoughtful and tailored to my needs. I'm a complex patient with a very complicated medical history. I would thoroughly recommend both Dr Bloomfield and Wessex Pain Clinic to anyone seeking expert and compassionate care.

Jacek Omilian

I’m really grateful to Dr Hyde for her time, clarity, and kindness during my pain management consultation. I came in worried that my ankle pain might be turning into something chronic or more serious. She took my concerns seriously, explained everything in a way I could understand, and helped me feel much more reassured. She combined medical knowledge with real empathy something I really appreciated. I left with a clear plan, including medication advice and practical steps to reduce the risk of long-term pain. This was one of the most helpful and supportive consultations I’ve ever had. Thank you.

Hannah Farrell

My treatment with Dr Hyde was exactly what I needed to help my pain. Incredible, personal service I will defiantly be back.

Wessex Pain Clinic

Dr Matt Stubbs

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Eleanor Hyde

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Tom Bloomfield

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Jo Harding

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Wessex Pain Clinics

Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) of Dorsal Root Ganglion

Wessex Pain Clinic