Abstract

Prior to this study, the therapeutic effectiveness of the electrocoagulation of the posterior roots of spinal nerves for lumbar spine disorders was unknown, despite its being practised for 25 years. This research was therefore undertaken to determine the effectiveness of this treatment in reducing pain and disability in workers, and its effect on mobility, strength and return to work. The results indicate that this type of treatment is of limited therapeutic value: posterior-root electrocoagulation produced no demonstrable effect on functional lumbar disability. This finding should nevertheless motivate physicians to identify patients who could benefit from this treatment, as analyses of its interaction with variables such as age, sex, childcare and physical activity revealed a potential effect in some subjects.