Larry Langdon
/ Categories: PEMF

PEMF Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition affects 4 million (2%) US adults, with a marked female predominance.

Finding a permanent remedy for fibromyalgia can be challenging as it often involves intense and persistent pain, and standard treatments may not always work well. This makes it crucial to explore alternative therapeutic options that can manage the condition and alleviate its symptoms. One such option is pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for fibromyalgia.

PEMF therapy offers various health benefits, but the key question is whether it can effectively treat fibromyalgia. Let's take a closer look to learn more.

 

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and challenges of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition with no exact cause for its occurrence. There are several theories suggesting it may result from a combination of factors such as genetics, stress, trauma, and possibly infections. Some gene mutations that disrupt nerve pain signals have also been linked to the condition, suggesting the role of the central nervous system in processing pain signals.

Due to the absence of a single definitive cause, fibromyalgia can be a devastating ordeal to treat. Moreover, the condition is often misdiagnosed as it can mimic other ailments, leaving doctors puzzled. The lack of specific tests for diagnosis further complicates the situation.

Some medical professionals even questioned the existence of fibromyalgia in the past. Nevertheless, medical understanding of this perplexing condition has significantly improved over time.

In addition to widespread pain, fibromyalgia can manifest other symptoms such as:

  • limb weakness
  • muscle twitches
  • palpitations
  • sleep disturbances
  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • trouble focusing
  • abdominal discomfort
  • itching
  • rashes
  • dry eyes
  • bladder problems
  • depression and anxiety

 

Despite the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, ongoing research and increased awareness have provided hope for better management and support for individuals living with fibromyalgia.

The usual approach for treating this condition is to use painkillers and medications to reduce the associated symptoms. However, it is well known that drugs pose significant side effects, and fibromyalgia medications are no exception. Along with medications, self-care strategies and therapies are also advised. These include acupuncture, physical therapy, and transcutaneous electric stimulation (TENS). But the problem with these modalities is that they do not address the root cause of the condition and only provide symptomatic relief.

In comparison to these complementary therapies, PEMF therapy for fibromyalgia has been shown to be more effective as it directly targets the problem.

 

PEMF therapy for fibromyalgia treatment

To better understand how PEMF therapy works for fibromyalgia, it's essential to know what happens in the body that leads to the distressing symptoms of this condition.

A study suggests that the muscle pain experienced in this condition is due to a lack of oxygen in the tissues, known as tissue hypoxia. The problem is not related to a lack of oxygen supply through the cardiovascular system but rather to the mitochondria (the energy centers of cells) not functioning optimally in using oxygen. This inefficiency results in excessive production of oxidative breakdown products, leading to a condition known as oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress can have a cascading effect, affecting hormones and neurons, which can contribute to the various symptoms related to this condition.

Now, with this understanding, we can explore how PEMF therapy comes into the picture as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia.

 

PEMF therapy

PEMF therapy uses a special device that emits energy waves in the form of pulses. These energy pulses travel through the body and target specific injured or affected areas. They are particularly drawn to places where there is chronic inflammation and pain.

When the energy reaches the cells in these areas, it increases the energy within the cells. This boost in energy helps the cells work better and become more efficient. As a result, the body's natural healing process is stimulated, promoting regeneration and improved cell function.

In simple terms, PEMF therapy helps the body heal itself by providing extra energy to the cells in areas that need it the most. This can lead to better healing, reduced pain, and an overall improvement in well-being.

 

How does PEMF therapy reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The exact mechanisms of PEMF therapy for fibromyalgia are not fully understood, but there are several hypotheses proposed based on existing research and observations. Researchers believe that PEMF therapy may:

  • Enhance cellular energy: PEMF therapy aids in improving the efficiency of the mitochondria in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the cells. ATP provides energy to drive and support muscle contraction, the circulation of blood, locomotion, and various body movements. By enhancing cellular energy production, it may counteract the tissue hypoxia seen in fibromyalgia and promote better cell function.
  • Reduce oxidative stress: PEMF therapy has antioxidant effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress. By reducing the excessive production of oxidative breakdown products, it may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Modulate pain signals: The condition causes widespread pain and other unpleasant symptoms due to issues with the central nervous system. PEMF therapy has the potential to influence the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. It may help to dampen the pain signals that are amplified in fibromyalgia, providing relief from widespread pain.
  • Reduce inflammation: The condition is believed to originate and progress due to inflammation. It has been shown that PEMF therapy increases tissue blood flow and oxygenation, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in fibromyalgia-affected areas.
  • Improving sleep and mood: PEMF therapy has been reported to have positive effects on sleep and mood. Since sleep disturbances and mood disorders are common in fibromyalgia, improving these aspects can significantly enhance the overall well-being of patients.
  • Promoting Tissue Repair: PEMF therapy supports tissue repair processes. In fibromyalgia, where the muscles and soft tissues are affected, this therapeutic effect may aid in the healing and recovery of damaged tissues.

 

Research and evidence supporting the use of PEMF therapy for fibromyalgia

Research has shown that PEMF therapy can be a beneficial alternative for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia instead of relying solely on medications.

PEMF therapy involves using magnetic fields to treat pain, inflammation, and wounds, among other conditions. Here are a few studies:

Study 1 (W. A. Karim et al., 2016)

The researchers conducted a controlled clinical trial, where they administered PEMF therapy to a group of fibromyalgia patients for a specified duration. After the treatment period, the researchers assessed the patient's pain levels using standardized pain scales and compared them with the baseline pain levels recorded before the treatment.

The results of the study showed that the patients who received PEMF treatment experienced a significant reduction in their pain levels compared to their initial measurements.

Study 2 (J. S. Park et al., 2014)

In this study, the primary objective was to compare the effects of PEMF with placebo treatment in fibromyalgia patients. The researchers allocated a group of fibromyalgia patients and divided them into two groups. One group received actual PEMF treatment, while the other group received a placebo treatment that mimicked PEMF but did not have the actual therapeutic effect.

Throughout the study period, the researchers assessed the participants' pain levels and sleep quality using validated questionnaires and rating scales. The findings revealed that the patients who underwent real PEMF therapy experienced significant pain relief and improvement in sleep quality, whereas the placebo group showed little change.

Study 3 (S. A. Cakir et al., 2013)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PEMF therapy in enhancing the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. The researchers allocated patients to PEMF therapy for a specific period. To assess the therapy's impact, the researchers used validated tools to measure the patient's pain levels, physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social functioning before and after the treatment.

The results indicated that the patients who underwent PEMF treatment experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in their overall quality of life, suggesting that the treatment positively affected multiple aspects of their well-being.

There are several other studies that provide evidence that PEMF therapy can be a valuable and effective approach to managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

 

Conclusion

PEMF is an ideal adjunct treatment for fibromyalgia, as it effectively addresses the condition and its symptoms. Its effectiveness is supported by clinical research with published results as evidence.

If you have fibromyalgia, you don't have to feel hopeless and solely rely on medications for relief. Instead, you can try this natural and non-invasive therapy that can be easily done at home.

 

References

  • Lario BA, Valdivielso JLA, López JA, et.al. Fibromyalgia syndrome: overnight falls in arterial oxygen saturation. Am J Med. 1996;101(1):54-60. PMID: 8686716.
  • Giovale M, Novelli L, Persico L, et al. Low-energy Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Reduces Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Single-blind Controlled Pilot Study. Rheumatol Immunol Res. 2022;3(2):77-83. PMID: 36465321
570