Neuromagnetic Treatment For Chronic Cervical Headaches
The following is a single case study presented at the International Conference of Physiotherapy in Sydney in 2002.
Author: Dianne Hermans B.Phty M.A.P.A.
Abstract: This clinical case example describes the effects of neuromagnetic treatment on chronic pain and sympathetic abnormalities in a 36 year old female physiotherapist following a 20 year history of severe debilitating headaches and left arm pain. Physical treatments received in the previous twenty year period had included chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy and physiotherapy which were unable to change these symptoms. Treatment for these symptoms involved fitting the female physiotherapist with neuromagnetic devices (Quadrapolar magnets) which are designed to decrease pain by altering the transmission of action potentials along nociceptive fibres in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Evaluation following 48 hours of neuromagnetic treatment included verbal reporting by the physiotherapist of decreased headache intensity and frequency. Further evaluation at one and six month periods revealed a reduction in pain and sympathetic symptoms such that the female physiotherapist was able to increase level of function as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist and is able to participate in equestrian activities.
“Chronic cervical headaches have a major impact on life, causing personal distress, lost work productivity and considerable financial costs as sufferers seek relief or cure from many practitioners including physiotherapists. We are in an era of high accountability to the patient and the health care funding agencies with the demands for the proof of efficacy of therapies. (Gwen Jull 1996)
SYMPTOMS ON ASSESSMENT • Intermittent, severe cervical pain and muscle spasm in the shoulder and left arm. Daily morning left cervical pain and stiffness. • Intermittent severe left sided headaches often progressing to bilateral. •
Restricted active and passive range of left cervical rotation accompanied by exacerbation of symptoms into the left arm.
SYMPTOMS ON ASSESSMENT •
Abnormal cervical posture with excessive extension of the upper cervical spine.
•
Poor deep neck flexor muscle strength.
•
Unable to carry objects in the left hand due to exacerbation of headaches.
• Headaches aggravated with hormonal changes.
SYMPTOMS ON ASSESSMENT •
Daily use of oral pain relief. Mersyndol™ => 4-6 tablets (sometimes 8).
•
Pethidine injections one every month or two.
Functional Assessment
•
Limited in function that the physiotherapist complained of daily headaches and left arm pain restricting functioning levels at her position as women’s health physiotherapist.
Q Magnet is Composed of: • Four rare earth magnets (Rated 13,500 gauss each)
• Magnetic flux ring • Casing
Magnetic Flux Generator
• Alternating quadrapolar array • Specific magnetic field gradient
Quadrapolar Magnet Video
Used with permission Nine Network Australia Pty. Limited.
Magnet vs Q Magnet • Steep gradient • Pain relief component • Proven physiological response • Not dependant on size or strength
Blockade of Action Potentials
2’ 20’’
3’ 20’’
3’ 20’’
McLean et al., Environmental Medicine 8:36-44 (1991)
Magnet vs Q Magnet • Flat Gradient • Minimal physiological response McLean et al., Bioelectromagnetics 16:2032 (1995)
Clinical Evidence of Pain-relieving Efficacy of the Quadrapolar Magnet • Double-blind, PBO-controlled, crossover: • Mechanical low back and knee pain (Holcomb et al., 1991) • Mechanical low back pain (Holcomb et al., in preparation) • Wrist pain in a knitwear factory (Holcomb et al., data undergoing re-ananlysis) • Open-Label: • Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee (Segal et al.,J. Clin. Rheumatol. 5:302-305 1999) • Radiculopathy (Holcomb et al., submitted) • Static Magnetic Field Therapy for pain in the abdomen and genitals (PediatrNeurol2000Sep,23(3):261-4
Contraindications • • • • • • • • •
pacemakers defibrillators aneurysm clips dorsal column stimulators infusion pumps transdermal patches insulin pumps pregnant women or any magnetically programmable device
AFTER 48 HOURS OF Q MAGNET TREATMENT
• Decreased pain in the cervical area. • Decreased severity of headaches.
AFTER ONE MONTH OF Q MAGNET TREATMENT • Decrease in left arm pain symptoms. • Decrease in the frequency and severity of headaches. • Less exacerbation of symptoms into left arm with active and passive range of left cervical rotation
AFTER 2 MONTHS OF Q MAGNET TREATMENT Functional Assessment •
The physiotherapist was able to function at a better level in her professional role.
•
Able to participate in equestrian activities.
AFTER TWO YEARS OF Q MAGNET TREATMENT Residual symptoms from initial assessment
• Occasional headaches requiring half an aspirin and occasional Mersyndol™
AFTER TWO YEARS OF Q MAGNET TREATMENT Functional Assessment
•
That the physiotherapist has increased involvement in her professional career. • Able to use left arm in stabilising and strengthening activities in the gym.
•
Able to train and ride three horses.
Daily Mersyndol Consumption 6 5 4
Daily 3 Mersyndol 2
Daily Mersyndol
1 0 2000
Year
2001
2002
Annual Cost Of Mersyndol Medication $800 $700 $600 $500 $400 $300 $200 $100 $0
Annual Cost
2000
Year
Annual Cost 2001
2002
CONCLUSION This single case example illustrates that the symptoms associated with chronic cervical headaches and arm weakness can be treated and decreased symptoms with Quadrapolar Magnetic devices placed in the appropriate areas of the cervical and thoracic spinal segments. Functional improvement can be facilitated if severe pain and sympathetic symptoms can be alleviated, thus allowing a more normal lifestyle for physiotherapist who suffers from Chronic Cervical headaches.