Radiofrequency neurotomy treatment for whiplash has received backing from an ACT Court (link) judgement that has awarded a·30-year old women· $697,000 to cover damages and·pay for the therapy, so she can continue to be treated with percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of the facet joints, after agreeing the treatment was helping to ease her whiplash disability.

The court heard that she had been receiving the radiofrequency treatment annually from a pain management specialist in Newcastle in NSW for neck pain and severe headaches following a car accident in 2003.

However, her insurer had refused to pay for further treatments, and medical advisers said it was not likely to be of ongoing benefit. But the judge said he preferred the evidence of the woman’s treating orthopaedic specialist and said his explanation of the diagnostic and treatment procedures was “thorough, intelligible and persuasive".

Read the full transcript.