Compared to pulsed radiofrequency, the short-term spinal cord stimulation demonstrated a better safety profile and higher analgesic effect.

A study was carried out to determine safety and effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency and short-term spinal cord stimulation for the management of zoster-related pain.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 7 electronic databases were comprehensively searched to find out relevant randomized controlled trials. The study incorporated six trials and 509 participants. Following data extraction and assessment of the methodological quality of the incorporated trials, the outcome indicators were statistically examined.

In comparison with the pulsed radiofrequency group, the short-term spinal cord stimulation group exhibited reduced pain intensity (standardized mean difference=-0.83), improved sleep quality (mean difference=-1.43), decreased pain rating index scores, and minimized occurrence of adverse events (risk ratio [RR]=0.32).

But, the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency and short-term spinal cord stimulation to manage postherpetic neuralgia was consistent in terms of response rate (RR= 1.10) and the complete remission rate (RR=1.05).

Hence, short-term spinal cord stimulation appears to be an effective, feasible and safe invasive therapy to alleviate zoster-related pain. But, additional high-quality trials with large sample sizes are warranted to further substantiate the conclusions.