Evaluation of the Analgesic Efficacy of a Bioelectronic Device in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain with Neuropathic Component. A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Low energy pulsed electromagnetic signals (PEMS) therapy, in the field of bioelectronics, has been suggested as a promising analgesic therapy with special interest in treating conditions with poor response to pharmacotherapy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PEMS therapy on the treatment of chronic low back pain patients with a neuropathic component. A group of 64 individuals with such condition was allocated to a 2-week treatment period (10 twenty-minute sessions on consecutive days) with an active PEMS therapy device or an inactive device in random order. The pain was assessed on a visual analog scale, and the functional status was assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire. The visual analog scale scores were lower after treatment than at baseline but only in the group treated with the active device. According to the DN4 score, neuropathic pain decreased in both experimental groups with respect to baseline, but this was only significant for the group treated with the active device. Similarly, an improvement in the SF-12 and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale components was reported. The study demonstrated that low-energy PEMS therapy was efficient in reducing pain and improving function in chronic low back pain patients with a neuropathic component.

The positive effect of pulse electromagnetic field therapy on pain and disability in chronic low back pain: a comparative study

“…Significant improvements were reported in the ODI scores of the PEMFT group compared to the sham group from the baseline to the sixth week, which continued through the 12th -week follow-up [ 24 ]. In a study by Teresa et al [ 25 ], low-energy PEMFT was found to improve neuropathic pain and functional status in chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component, compared to the control group. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies, PEMFT significantly reduced low back pain compared to a placebo and other treatments.…”

The effect of kinesiotherapy supported by visual biofeedback on a stabilometric platform on health-related quality of life among patients with non-specific low back pain. A randomized, open-label study with a 6-month follow-up

“…General HRQoL is measured in patients with NSLBP mainly by using a 12-or 36-item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12; SF-36) questionnaire. HRQoL domain scores have been found to improve after the following: 5 weeks of massage therapy, therapeutic exercise, and a therapeutic education program [13]; therapeutic ultrasound in addition to exercise [2]; minimally invasive treatment [6]; invasive laser acupuncture [14]; negative pulsed-pressure myofascial vacuum therapy [15]; photobiomodulation therapy using low-intensity Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) and light-emitting diodes [16]; continuous, low-level heat therapy [17]; Medi-Taping [18]; low-energy pulsed electromagnetic signals therapy [19]; pulsed electromagnetic field therapy [20]; exercises on a Pilates mat and home exercise programs [21]; traditional Thai self-massage combined with home stretching exercises [22]; wholebody vibration [23]; and mountain hiking combined with Mg-Ca-SO 4 spa therapy [24]. Moreover, core stability exercises (CSE) combined with self-compassion training were more effective for patients with non-specific chronic low back pain compared to CSE alone [25].…”