PEMF for pain management (Part 3)

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are a type of treatment that uses gentle pulsating magnetic fields to manage pain. PEMFs reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote tissue healing, all of which can contribute to pain relief. Let’s see how PEMFs might help with some common pain conditions.

The author using a PEMF Mat

PEMFs have a direct effect on pain receptors and inflammatory markers. The real, more valuable, safer, and longer-lasting improvement in pain most often happens because of the healing effects of the causes of the pain.

PEMFs can raise the pain threshold, increase circulation to the tissue, stimulate the production of important peptides, and improve bone density, all to improve the cell’s ability to repair itself and reduce and prevent pain.

Back Pain

Up to 85% of adults will experience back pain at some point. A study involving 20 people with back pain compared PEMFs to a placebo group. Both groups received standard care. Those treated with PEMFs experienced a significant reduction in pain (around half), improved disability scores (56% improvement), and better personal function compared with the placebo group. (1)

PEMFs have also been shown to increase the cellular repairing process in the intervertebral discs, which means, PEMFs can be used not only to help heal damaged discs but may also be useful for preventing the breakdown of discs leading to inter-vertebral disc prolapses and spondylosis. (2)

Fibromyalgia

Conventional treatments for fibromyalgia often have side effects and aren’t effective for everyone. Studies suggest PEMFs may be helpful. In one study, people with fibromyalgia slept on a mattress pad with built-in magnets for 16 weeks. Those who slept on the magnetized pad showed significant decreases in pain (12%), improved physical function (30%), and better sleep (37%) compared to those on a regular pad. (3)

Headaches

PEMFs may also be helpful for headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. A study looked at people who didn’t respond well to traditional treatments like acupuncture or medication. PEMF therapy for 15 days reduced the frequency and intensity of headaches for up to a month afterwards. It was most effective for tension headaches, with 88% reporting excellent or good results. (4)

Migraines

A study found that medium-intensity PEMFs applied to the head daily for 10 to 15 minutes for 30 days improved the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by 66%, compared to 23% in the placebo group. (5)

PEMFs applied to specific acupuncture points on the thighs for at least 2 weeks have shown promise as a short-term treatment for migraines. Studies suggest longer treatment leads to even better results. One month after treatment, 73% of patients reported reduced headaches compared to a placebo group. (6)

Neuropathy

Neuropathy causes chronic pain, often in the hands and feet. Several studies have explored PEMFs for neuropathy. When treatment lasted longer than a few weeks, results were positive. For instance, one study found people with diabetic neuropathy who received PEMFs for 2 hours daily for 3 months experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to a placebo group. (7) Another study looked at people with carpal tunnel syndrome, another form of neuropathy. PEMF therapy over 10 months led to significant pain improvement and better nerve conduction tests. (8)

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and painful condition in the aged population. Traditional treatments often have limited effectiveness. Studies suggest PEMFs may be helpful. A small European study found that 6 weeks of PEMF therapy for just 8 minutes twice a day improved knee function, and walking ability, and reduced medication use(9). Another study on early knee OA showed a 60% reduction in pain scores within just 5 days of starting PEMF treatment. (10)

Conclusion

While these studies show promise, it’s important to note that PEMFs may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether PEMFs could be a suitable option for your pain management plan. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if PEMFs are right for you.

PS: You can read the first part of this article at https://medium.com/@drbijuks/pemf-therapy-what-it-is-what-are-the-benefits-part-1-bfc22a66e156

The second part of this article at https://medium.com/@drbijuks/pemf-therapy-delving-deeper-research-evidence-and-practical-applications-9a96f19de951

References

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2. Lee HM, Kwon UH, Kim H, et al. Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulates cellular proliferation in vertebral disc cells. Yonsei Med J. 2010;51:954–9.
3. Colbert AP, Markov MS, Banerji M et al. (1999) Magnetic mattress pad use in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized double-blind pilot study. J Back Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 1999;13: 19–31.
4. Prusinski A, Wielka J, Durko A. Pulsating electromagnetic field in the therapy of headache. In Second Symposium on Magnetotherapy, Szekesfehervar, Hungary, May 1987.
5. Lazar L, Farago A. Experiences of patients suffering from migraine type headache treated with magnetotherapy. Hungarian symposium on magneto therapy, 2nd symposium, 16–17 May, Hungary, p.137–40, 1987.
6. Giczi J, Guseo A. Treatment of headache by pulsating electromagnetic field a preliminary report. Hungarian symposium on magneto therapy, second symposium, 16–17 May, Szekesfehervar Hungary, P. 74–76, 1987.
7. Weintraub MI, Herrmann DN, Smith AG et al. Pulsed electromagnetic fields to reduce diabetic neuropathic pain and stimulate neuronal repair: A randomized controlled trial. Archive; Physical Medicine Rehabilitation. 2009;90(7):1102–09.
8. Weintraub MI, Cole SP. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of a combination of static and dynamic magnetic fields on carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain Med. 2008;9(5):493–504.
9. Pawluk W, Turk Z, Fischer G, Kobinger W. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a new broadband PEMF signal. Presentation. 24th Annual Meeting of Bioelectromagnetics Society, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, June 2002.
10. Nelson FR, Zvirbulis R, Pilla AA. Non-invasive electromagnetic field therapy produces rapid and substantial pain reduction in early knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blind pilot study. Rheumatol Int. 2013;33(8): 2169–73.