We have been using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat chronic migraine headaches and other types of pain and neurological disorders. An article published in Pain Medicine News provides a brief review of the use of rTMS in treating painful conditions. rTMS has been reported to relieve neuropathic pain, orofacial pain, phantom pain, low back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, pelvic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome.
A recent study published in the journal Pain suggests that chronic low back pain may be related to the dysfunction in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a brain region involved in pain regulation. This finding highlights the potential for brain-targeted therapies such as TMS.
rTMS is a non-invasive treatment, and it might help reduce pain by modulating brain regions involved in pain processing. Although more studies are needed, rTMS could offer a drug-free option for those with persistent low back pain.
rTMS of the brain is approved by the FDA to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and nicotine addiction. rTMS is also approved to treat peripheral pain by applying rTMS to the area of pain. This involves using a magnetic coil on an arthritic joint, an area of back pain, or any other body part.
Getting an FDA approval for chronic migraines or other painful conditions is a lengthy and expensive process. For-profit companies will not invest millions of dollars in this project since rTMS treatment is difficult to patent. The funding will need to come from the NIH or non-profit foundations. We do need FDA approval in order to have insurance companies to pay for this treatment.
