Electromagnetic fields in the treatment of chronic lower back pain in patients with degenerative disc disease.

Author: Arneja AS1, Kotowich A2, Staley D3, Summers R4, Tappia PS5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Rehabilitation Hospital, Internal Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Rehabilitation Hospital, Internal Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. <sup>2</sup>BioResonance Technology Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; BioResonance Technology Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. <sup>3</sup>St. Boniface Hospital Research, Office of Clinical Research, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; St. Boniface Hospital Research, Office of Clinical Research, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. <sup>4</sup>National Research Council, Institute for Biodiagnostics, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; National Research Council, Institute for Biodiagnostics, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. <sup>5</sup>St. Boniface Hospital Research, Asper Clinical Research Institute, CR3129-369 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada; St. Boniface Hospital Research, Asper Clinical Research Institute, CR3129-369 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada.
Conference/Journal: Future Sci OA.
Date published: 2016 Feb 11
Other: Volume ID: 2 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: FSO105 , Special Notes: doi: 10.4155/fsoa-2015-0019. eCollection 2016. , Word Count: 142

AIM: To examine the effects of low-amplitude, low frequency electromagnetic field therapy (EMF) therapy in patients with persistent chronic lower back pain associated with degenerative disc disease.

DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized and placebo controlled.

INTERVENTION: EMF using a medical device resonator; control group underwent same procedures, except the device was turned off.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain reduction and mobility.

RESULTS: Improvements in overall physical health, social functioning and reduction in bodily pain were observed in the EMF group. The pain relief rating scale showed a higher level of pain relief at the target area in the EMF group. An increase in left lateral mobility was seen only in the EMF group.

CONCLUSION: EMF treatment may be of benefit to patients with chronic nonresponsive lower back pain associated with degenerative disc disease.

KEYWORDS: alternative and complimentary medicine; biotechnology; pain

PMID: 28031951 PMCID: PMC5138007 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2015-0019