THE EFFECT OF REPETITIVE MAGNETIC STIMULATION ON LOCALIZED MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

CURRENT magnetic coil stimulators can efficiently activate neural stru ctures without deep electrode placement and the local discomfort assoc iated with transcutaneous electrical stimulation used in pain control. We tested the possibility of reducing pain in patients with localized musculoskeletal processes by applying repetitive magnetic stimulation on the tender body region. Thirty patients were randomized to receive 40 min of real or sham magnetic stimulation. After a single session, real magnetic stimulation significantly exceeded the sham effect: a 10 1-point pain score decreased by 59% in the treated group and 14% in sh am-treated patients (z = -3.26, p = 0.001). The pain relief attained r egularly persisted for several days. Results indicate that powerful ma gnetic coil stimulation can efficiently reduce pain originating from l ocalized musculoskeletal injuries. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.