Authors
Pujol J. Pascual-Leone A. Dolz C. Delgado E. Dolz JL. Aldoma J.
Institution
Magnetic Resonance Center of Pedralbes, Monestir, Barcelona,
Spain.
Title
The effect of repetitive
magnetic stimulation on localized musculoskeletal pain.
Source
Neuroreport. 9(8):1745-8, 1998 Jun 1.
Abstract
Current magnetic coil stimulators can efficiently activate
neural structures without deep electrode placement and the
local discomfort associated with transcutaneous electrical stimulation used
in pain control. We tested the possibility of reducing pain
in patients with localized musculoskeletal processes by applying
repetitive magnetic stimulation on
the tender body region. Thirty patients were randomized to
receive 40 min of real or sham magnetic stimulation. After a
single session, real magnetic stimulation significantly
exceeded the sham effect: a 101-point pain
score decreased by 59% in the treated group and 14% in
sham-treated patients (z = -3.26, p = 0.001). The pain
relief attained regularly persisted for several days. Results indicate that
powerful magnetic coil stimulation can efficiently reduce
pain originating from localized musculoskeletal injuries.