SMC employs Radio-Frequency device to cure chronic pain

Manama : Dr. Mohammed Al Falaki, Chairman of Anesthesia Department and Intensive Care Unit at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), revealed that the department has started a special workshop with the use of Radio-Frequency (RF) device, which is used for the treatment of chronic pain, pointing out that a modern technology of this kind is used for the first time in the Health Ministry with the support of Yusuf Mahmoud Hussain Co. 

The device is expected to benefit many patients, especially patients with sickle cell anaemia. 

Dr. Falaki confirmed that the use of the radio-frequency device comes as part of the commitment to the Health Ministry in collaboration with SMC under the guidance of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to invest in modern medical technology and train the Bahraini workforce in developing services for citizens and residents.

During the workshop, Dr. Buthaina Butchery, Consultant Anesthesia and Pain Management at SMC, tested the device in cooperation with other doctors Dr. Mutasim Al Mashoor and Dr. Hazem Al Aali. She indicated the importance of integrating such technology in the treatment of many cases of chronic pain such as spinal disc problems, joints of the back, neck, pelvis and knees as well as nerve pain and pain associated with cancer.

“The Radio-Frequency treatment process is used to relieve pain through radio waves to produce electric current to heat up small parts of the nerve tissue. This reduces the transmission of nerve pain signals,” she added.

Dr. Mutasim Al Mashoor, Anesthesia Consultant at SMC, confirmed that the device will serve a large number of patients with chronic pain, particularly patients with sickle cell anaemia. 

A patient with sickle cell anaemia typically suffers with seizures, severe joint pain, bone and joint complications in the pelvis, knees, ankles, shoulder and spine, he explained, pointing out that the case of pain is different from one patient to another and is not necessarily linked to the progression of the disease.

For his part, Dr. Hazem Al Aali said, “A majority of people suffering from pain does not represent cases that can be surgically treated. Therefore, strong sedatives is the only solution for them despite drug complications. However, with the use of this technology, it would be an excellent addition to offer pain treatment from the anaesthesia department to patients with sickle cell in treating their pelvis, knees, shoulder and back.”