Relief of Intractable Low Back Pain Using Non-invasive, Low Level Pulsed DC Magnetic DC Fields - A Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE: To determine if pulsed electromagnetic fields of low amplitude and frequency can reduce pain scores in chronic lower back pain.

PATIENTS/SETTING: 11 patients suffering intractable lower back pain for at least two years were enrolled in this non-placebo controlled preliminary study where low level pulsed electromagnetic fields was applied at home on a regular basis.

INTERVENTION: Non invasive pulsed electromagnetic field therapy generates a pulsed unidirectional waveform with a peak strength of about 90 gauss on the surface of the electromagnet (and about .05 gauss through a 6 -10 inch mattress). The pemf is applied at night through a mattress and during the day for at least one hour proximate to the pain emanation point at about 10 Hz.

RESULTS: 4 of the 11 patients report statistically significant reduction of pain, while 11 of 11 patients report better sleep.