Chronic lower back pain is highly debilitating.  One technique to relieve suffering is the pioneering use of a curved tipped needle to reach the specific nerve that is causing the pain.  Not only does it give the surgeon greater manoeuvrability in locating the nerve, the same needle can be used to apply local anaesthetic and then to desensitise the nerve through exposing it to radio frequencies.  Bristol University are coordinating a medical trial to evaluate this important technique.  Consistency is vital in any trial and we have been working with lead trial consultant Dr. Cathy Price of University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust to produce a specialist training film for doctors.