Korean J Pain.  2005 Jun;18(1):43-47. 10.3344/kjp.2005.18.1.43.

Efficacy of Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain: a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

• Lee PB
• Kim YC
• Lee SC

• KMID: 2277957
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2005.18.1.43

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The optimal management of pain using magnetic irradiation modalities continues to attract considerable debate. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic therapy for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. METHODS: Fifteen-minute sessions of active (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) electromagnetic therapy were repeated 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Patients were assessed using the 11-point numerical rating scale and the revised Oswestry disability scores for up to 4 weeks after therapy. RESULTS: The active magnetic group showed significantly more pain reduction than the placebo group immediately after therapy and one and four weeks after therapy (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks after therapy percentage changes in NRS from baseline were 22 +/- 24% and 38 +/- 11% in the placebo and magnetic groups, respectively. The revised Oswestry disability percentage in the active magnetic group was also significantly improved (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed electromagnetic therapy provided pain relief and ameliorated disability in patients with chronic lower back pain. According to our results, pulsed electromagnetic therapy should be considered an important potential therapeutic tool for the conservative therapy of chronic lower back pain.

Keyword

lower back pain; pulsed electromagnetic therapy; revised oswestry disability score

MeSH Terms

Humans
Low Back Pain*
Magnets*