Short time effects of a low-frequency, high intensity magnetic field in the treatment of chronic neck and low back pain

INTRODUCTION: Neck and back pain afflicts millions of people. Magnetotherapy has shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that could act on pain generation, but the literature lacks provide a precise therapeutic protocol. METHODS: A high-intensity electromagnetic field with a dedicated applicator was administered to 38 patients with low-back pain and 30 patients with neck pain. The device provides 60 mT and a frequency of 50 Hz for 30 minutes, the session was repeated 4 times. RESULTS: The mean VAS of the low-back pain group decreased from 6.56 to 4.54, with a significant reduction of 30.8%. The mean VAS of the neck pain group decreased from 6.51 to 1.96, with a significant reduction of 69.9%. DISCUSSION: The treatment used showed good results in both groups of the patient, without side effects. The therapeutic protocol adopted is safe, provide rapid relief from the pain and is not time demanding. This treatment could represent an effective non-pharmacologic physical therapy option in the treatment of low-back pain and cervical pain.