Free radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive.

In the body, the most common free radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated naturally during processes like metabolism, immune defense or injury. While small amounts of free radicals are normal and even useful for cell signaling, excess production overwhelms the body’s antioxidant defenses and leads to oxidative stress.
In pain medicine, free radicals are important because they damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA, fueling inflammation and sensitizing pain pathways. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, neuropathies, and fibromyalgia are often linked to increased free radical activity. They also contribute to maladaptive changes in glial cells and neurons, sustaining chronic pain even after tissue healing.
Recent research shows that therapies like pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) may reduce free radical load by restoring redox balance. This ability to calm oxidative stress at the cellular level makes PRF unique among interventional pain treatments, linking molecular processes directly to clinical pain relief.