Chronic pain: promising combination therapy presented
An American research team recently presented a new combination therapy that has great potential for the treatment of chronic pain Has. The treatment starts electrical stimulation in combination with Schall.
researchers of University of Minnesota have one as part of a current study new treatment for pain tested. The method relies on a combination of sound and electrical stimulation and is intended in particular to relieve pain in people with various chronic and neurological diseases. The results were recently published in the “Journal of Neural Engineering” presented.
New approach to chronic pain
A research group from the University of Minnesota found out that electrical stimulation in connection with sound causes the so-called somatosensory cortex of the brain activated. The research results suggest that the technology for Treatment of chronic pain and other sensory disorders suitable.
So far, however, the new treatment has only been tested on animals. Clinical trials are now also to be carried out on humans.
The brain region responsible for pain sensations is activated
The tests have already delivered promising results in guinea pigs. The animals were with broadband tones sonicated while various parts of the body were stimulated electrically or by needles.
Through the combined treatment were in the guinea pigs Neurons activated in the brain’s somatosensory cortex. This brain region is for touch and pain sensations responsible throughout the body.
Treatment might be done by TENS devices
The team considers it possible that the treatment with Devices for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be carried out. TENS devices are already available in pharmacies or other specialist shops.
The working group hopes that the findings will lead to an easy-to-implement pain therapy that is safe and easily accessible and can support or, at best, even replace drug seeding.
Reduce use of painkillers
“Chronic pain is a major problem for many people, and for most it is not adequately treatable”emphasizes study lead author Cory Gloeckner.
“We are currently trying to treat pain with opioids, among other things”, Gloeckner continues. But opioids can be highly addictive, which is already a widespread problem in the United States.
According to Gloeckner, a medical device that stimulates sound and electrical impulses might be offered at low cost.
Approach might be complemented by music therapy
The researchers now want to take the approach one step further music therapy to see if the somatosensory cortex can be stimulated even more.
Many people with chronic pain have already had good experiences with electrical stimulation or acupuncture. “Our research shows that when you combine this with sound, the brain is even more activated”adds the head of studies Professor Hubert Lim finally. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Cory D Gloeckner, Jian C Nocon and Hubert H Lim, et al.: Topographic and widespread auditory modulation of the somatosensory cortex: potential for bimodal sound and body stimulation for pain treatment; in: Journal of Neural Engineering (2022), iopscience.iop.org
- University of Minnesota: Study finds that sound plus electrical body stimulation has potential to treat chronic pain (veröffentlicht: 11.08.2022), eurekalert.org
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.