PEMF therapy for back pain and spinal health
Using PEMF therapy for back pain is an effective, non-invasive and safe treatment option. In this article, we review the available clinical research supporting pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for acute and chronic low back pain.
Why is PEMF used for back pain and spine health?
A quick look at the American Chiropractic Association’s back pain facts and statistics reveals that back pain is a serious problem that affects millions of people. What conditions cause back pain?
Sciatica, spinal erosion, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, skeletal disorders, fibromyalgia, spondylitis and spinal disc protrusion problems such as protrusion, herniation or rupture of the disc cause most of the spine problems and diseases.
Pulsed electromagnetic field or PEMF therapy is an effective and comfortable treatment solution compared to common back pain treatments such as hot and cold compresses, weeks of bed rest, physical therapy exercises, medications such as painkillers, anesthetics, steroids or narcotics.
PEMF therapy supports approaches such as acupuncture, spinal taping, massage therapy, and natural therapies for healing and pain relief.Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy increases cellular regeneration, which can greatly improve results. Therefore, professionals and home users should consider PEMF therapy as a complementary treatment for back pain.
Clinical trials on PEMF therapy for back pain and spinal health
In 2012, a randomized clinical trial evaluated patients using pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF therapy) in the management of patients with lumbar discogenic radiculopathy and concluded, “PEMF therapy is an effective treatment modality for radiculopathy. Lumbar is caused by lumbar disc prolapse.
In addition to the improvement of clinically observed radicular symptoms, PEMF also seems to be effective in reducing nerve root density, as can be seen in the improvement of SSEP parameters after treatment.
In 2008, a randomized controlled clinical trial of PEMF therapy was conducted on over three hundred patients with cervical fusion and found to provide significant relief.
A research conducted in 2016 by five American scientists of genetic science, they proved with their study: “Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy reduces the expression of genes related to disc degeneration in human intervertebral disc cells.”
In 2019, scientists from the Department of Physiotherapy of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Surgery at Cairo University conducted a randomized controlled trial to study the effect of PEMF on patients with back pain.
They studied the effects of a 50 Hz 20 Gauss pulsed electromagnetic field for 4 weeks and concluded that adding PEMF therapy to conventional physical therapy protocols for low back pain produced significant clinical improvements in pain, functional mobility, and low back range of motion.
A systematic review of RCTs (controlled clinical trials) by Portuguese and Spanish scientists on the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for low back pain concluded that PEMF is indeed able to relieve pain and improve function.
In 2017, Nursing Outlook published a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of PEMF on chronic low back pain symptoms along with mental health and disability complications. They conducted the study on US Army soldiers because back pain is one of the most common complaints in the military and a holistic approach is needed to improve outcomes and productivity.
They found that PEMF improved mental health, but no significant improvement in back pain status was observed. The protocol applied is unclear, so it is difficult to comment on this result.
These studies are about non-specific back pain. More research can be found based on specific conditions that cause pain, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, and osteoporosis.
How is PEMF therapy used for back pain and spine health?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to find a solution to your back pain. Owning a PEMF device is definitely worth it because in addition to being affordable, it goes beyond pain relief by protecting and strengthening the body’s natural immune system and regenerative ability.
Of the devices made for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for back pain relief, the PEMF mat would be the most obvious choice because it can target the entire spine with PEMF.
A PEMF wearable device can also be very effective, the applicators are simply placed on the injured area or used on target points/meridians (energy channels in the body) to stimulate blood circulation and increase natural recovery.
An ideal way to apply PEMF is to use it while lying flat on your back for at least 30 minutes. It also works great to use all night long in your bed, especially if you use low intensity PEMF systems.
Regular use of PEMF provides the best results, increasing energy levels and reducing pain. Depending on the cause and severity of the back pain condition, you should apply the PEMF system accordingly.
