Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment as a Non- Pharmacological, Non-Invasive Treatment for Chronic Back Pain: Promising Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial and Review of Literature

Abstract

Objective : Comparison of Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy via Quantron Resonance System (QRS),
QRS® 101 to oral pain medications in Chronic Back Pain (CBP).
Methods: CBP patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group P (n=30): 15 sessions of 30 minutes of
PEMF (40 mT) over 3 weeks with oral pain medications; Group M (n=30): sham PEMF of similar duration with
oral pain medications.
The primary outcome was comparison of Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were comparison
of Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Wong-Baker Faces Pain
Rating Scale- (WBFS), Pain Location Score (PLS); noted at baseline, at completion of 5,10 and 15 sessions and
follow up at 1,2, 3 weeks, then monthly for 3 months.
Results
Pain NRS, PQAS, Modified ODI, WBFS were significantly less in the PEMF group (p < 0.05) at all time frames. PLS
was statistically significant lesser in the PEMF group at all time frames after ten sessions (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
15 sessions of 30 minutes per day of PEMF (40 mT) QRS® 101 treatment in three weeks may significantly alleviate
CBP compared to oral medications.