Local Administration of ElectroMagnetic Field as Add-On Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Facial Pain: A Pilot Study

Fibromyalgic syndrome and orofacial neuropathic pain are major public health concerns affecting up to 5% and 10%, respectively, of the general population. They generally require medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which may additionally impact the quality of life with their side...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-03, Vol.19 (7), p.4123
Main Authors: Storari, Marco, Zerman, Nicoletta, Spinas, Enrico
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants
Chronic Pain - drug therapy
Drugs
Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetism
Facial Pain - therapy
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia - therapy
Humans
Mastication
Nervous system
Neuralgia
Pain
Patients
Performance evaluation
Pilot Projects
Population
Public health
Quality of Life
Side effects
Software
Stiffness
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Summary:Fibromyalgic syndrome and orofacial neuropathic pain are major public health concerns affecting up to 5% and 10%, respectively, of the general population. They generally require medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which may additionally impact the quality of life with their side effects. Modern technologies and related applications have changed several fields of human life, even in medicine. In the current study, the local administration of electromagnetic fields as add-on therapy for the treatment of cervical and facial pain in patients with fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain has been evaluated. A total of 15 patients were recruited, and an electromagnetic field was delivered through a small patch applied between C3 and C4. Patients were followed for 12 months, and pain levels were rated via the VAS scale; ∆% was calculated through the analysis of median VAS scale values at each time point. Mild-to-moderate improvements were found, especially after six months. Patients with fibromyalgic syndrome showed better response rates than those with orofacial neuropathic pain. Joint stiffness, masticatory fatigue, and sleep disturbances were also reduced. In conclusion, the local application of electromagnetic field appeared effective in treating fibromyalgic and neuropathic pain in the head and neck district, with broader improvements and no side effects.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph19074123