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

Marco Storari, Nicoletta Zerman and Enrico Spinas
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Marco Storari: Department of Surgical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
Nicoletta Zerman: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy
Enrico Spinas: Department of Surgical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: chronic pain; electromagnetic field; fibromyalgia; orofacial neuropathic pain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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