Chronic pain reduces the quality of living and makes people uncomfortable. Medications and physical therapies can give some relief but do not last longer. There is another therapy called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). In this article, we will talk about the use of TMS therapy for chronic pain and its benefits for us.
Understanding Chronic Pain
A persistent pain that exists for more than three months is termed chronic pain. It mostly occurs due to injuries that don’t heal properly or due to long-term untreatable illnesses. It can be in different areas of the body. Conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, migraine, and neuropathic pain are chronic pain syndromes.
Unlike acute pain, which goes away with the healing of injury, chronic pain is very persistent. It can become severe with time if left untreatable. However, the treatment may not be a long-term solution. Usually, it is treated with pain relief medicines or physical therapy. These treatments should be done on a daily basis to manage pain. Other than these medications, alternative therapies, like TMS, have proven to be effective.
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that stimulates nerve cells in the brain using magnetic waves. This therapy normally treats depression, but it is also beneficial for other illnesses, including chronic pain. The therapy is done by a device that generates magnetic pulses, and these waves are directed at specific brain areas. These magnetic pulses can either increase or decrease neuronal activity. TMS therapy modifies brain activity and changes the way pain is processed in the brain, which relieves chronic pain.
Working Mechanism of TMS for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain usually occurs due to abnormal brain activity. The brain sends the signals of pain to certain parts of the body, which causes pain. In such patients, the sensory cortex and pain regulation pathways become dysregulated, which increases the feeling of pain. TMS therapy targets those areas and regulates these pathways to normalize brain activity. The magnetic pulses are produced, which reset the brain’s pain management system.
The mechanism is as follows:
- TMS stimulates the motor cortex to release neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, reducing pain perception.
- TMS can normalize the overreacting pain-processing areas of the brain by reducing the pain signals from the brain to certain body parts.
- TMS also encourages neural plasticity, which helps the brain adapt and form new connections to reduce pain.
Effectiveness of TMS for Chronic Pain
Clinical trials and studies have shown the benefits of TMS chronic pain management.
- TMS can reduce the pain linked with fibromyalgia by targeting the centers of the brain that process pain.
- Some patients report that they experience fewer migraines after getting TMS therapy.
- It is also effective in individuals with nerve-related pain.
- It can also promote anti-inflammatory activity, so it might effectively treat osteoarthritis.
Candidate For TMS Therapy
- People with untreatable chronic pain.
- Individuals who prefer non-invasive solutions.
- Patients with no contraindications for magnetic stimulation.
- Those who prefer a drug-free treatment option.
How TMS Session Is Conducted
- The technician will put a magnetic coil against your scalp after seating you comfortably.
- The machine will send magnetic waves to the brain. It will have mild sensation, and mostly, it is painless.
- Sessions are around 40 minutes, and patients can resume their routine work after some rest.
- The sessions are usually 5 days a week for a month.
TMS vs. Other Pain Treatments
TMS offers several advantages over traditional techniques:
- Unlike surgeries or injections, TMS is non-invasive and doesn’t need incisions.
- Many patients experience little to no side effects, especially compared to drugs like opioids or anti-inflammatory medications.
- TMS provides a pain management solution without any risk of addiction.
- Many patients report improved mood and sleep cycle.
Conclusion
TMS and chronic pain management are the hot topic these days. This therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that reduces chronic pain. It may not be a 100% effective cure, but it has shown positive results in several patients. If you have severe chronic pain and want an alternative treatment option, TMS could be worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take for TMS therapy to work for chronic pain?
Most patients begin noticing improvement after 2–4 weeks of regular sessions, though results vary.
Q2. Is TMS therapy safe for chronic pain patients?
Yes. TMS is FDA-cleared for depression and has a strong safety record in pain management, with minimal side effects like mild scalp discomfort.
Q3. Can TMS help with fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain?
Clinical studies suggest TMS can reduce fibromyalgia-related pain and neuropathic pain by regulating pain perception in the brain.
Q4. Does TMS therapy provide permanent pain relief?
Results differ; some people experience long-term benefits, while others may need maintenance sessions.
