A study published in Bioelectronic Medicine showed that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is more effective at pain reduction in comparison to low-frequency therapy. However, some variation in the Perceived pain reduction (PPR) was observed between male and female subjects. The study used implanted device to supply a small amount of electric bolt to the spinal cord directly. Thus, altering or blocking the nerve activity and reducing the sensation of pain perceived by the brain.

The low-frequency SCS (50Hz) was approved by US FDA as a treatment procedure for intractable back and leg pain in the ’90s. Meanwhile, in 2015, FDA approved the higher-frequency procedure (10,000 Hz) to treat abnormal sensations of tingling and prickling.

In the study, 237 patients were included who were diagnosed or treated between 2004 to 2020. 94 patients i.e., 40 female and 54 male subjects received HF-SCS while the rest were given LF-SCS. After six months of implantation, the researchers found that PPR was improved in all the patients, however, HF-SCS produced a better result in reducing PPR than LF-SCS. It was also seen that HF-SCS reduced the opioid dependence in the patients to relieve pain. HF-SCS improved the pain condition in male subjects after three months, while it took six months period for female subjects to achieve the same results. In the case of LF-SCS post-implantation, male subjects used opioids for a period of three to six months but their female counterparts had to use opioids for an extended period of 12 months to reduce pain to a bearable amount. (Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/radiofrequency-spinal-cord-stimulation-shows-improved-longer-lasting-pain-relief-study-101651290856061.html )