Department of Surgical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 30;19(7):4123. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19074123.
Fibromyalgic syndrome and orofacial neuropathic pain are major public health concerns affecting up to 5% and 10%, respectively, of the general population. They generally require medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which may additionally impact the quality of life with their side effects. Modern technologies and related applications have changed several fields of human life, even in medicine. In the current study, the local administration of electromagnetic fields as add-on therapy for the treatment of cervical and facial pain in patients with fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain has been evaluated. A total of 15 patients were recruited, and an electromagnetic field was delivered through a small patch applied between C3 and C4. Patients were followed for 12 months, and pain levels were rated via the VAS scale; ∆% was calculated through the analysis of median VAS scale values at each time point. Mild-to-moderate improvements were found, especially after six months. Patients with fibromyalgic syndrome showed better response rates than those with orofacial neuropathic pain. Joint stiffness, masticatory fatigue, and sleep disturbances were also reduced. In conclusion, the local application of electromagnetic field appeared effective in treating fibromyalgic and neuropathic pain in the head and neck district, with broader improvements and no side effects.
纤维肌痛综合征和口腔颌面部神经性疼痛是主要的公共卫生问题，分别影响高达 5%和 10%的普通人群。它们通常需要药物治疗，如抗抑郁药和抗惊厥药，这些药物可能会因其副作用而进一步影响生活质量。现代技术和相关应用已经改变了人类生活的许多领域，甚至在医学领域也是如此。在目前的研究中，评估了电磁场的局部给药作为纤维肌痛或神经性疼痛患者颈面部疼痛治疗的附加治疗方法。共招募了 15 名患者，通过在 C3 和 C4 之间应用小贴片来输送电磁场。对患者进行了 12 个月的随访，并通过 VAS 量表评估疼痛程度；通过分析每个时间点的中位数 VAS 量表值来计算 ∆%。发现有轻度至中度的改善，尤其是在六个月后。纤维肌痛综合征患者的反应率优于口腔颌面部神经性疼痛患者。关节僵硬、咀嚼疲劳和睡眠障碍也有所减轻。总之，电磁场的局部应用在治疗头颈部的纤维肌痛和神经性疼痛方面似乎是有效的，具有更广泛的改善效果，且无副作用。
