Low Pain Catastrophization and Disability Predict Successful Outcome to Radiofrequency Neurotomy in Individuals with Chronic Whiplash

Objectives Physical and psychological symptoms of individuals with chronic whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) are modulated by successful treatment with cervical radiofrequency neurotomy (cRFN). However, not all individuals respond to cRFN, and it is unknown which clinical features predict successful response to cRFN. Methods This prospective cohort study investigated 53 individuals with chronic WAD (36 female, 17 male; mean age = 44.7 ± 10.9 (SD) years) who underwent cRFN. Predictor variables measured at baseline (prior to RFN) included self‐reported pain (VAS), disability (NDI), post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PDS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), and measures of sensory hypersensitivity (pressure and cold pain thresholds). The outcome measure was perceived Global Rating of Change (where scores ≥ 4 were classified as a successful response) 3 months post‐cRFN. Results Univariate logistic regression demonstrated that lower levels of disability and pain catastrophizing were associated with successful response of cRFN (both P