Unless you have been living under a rock in recent years, you no doubt have heard about some of the many incredible breakthroughs and medical applications regarding Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy or (PEMF). By using low frequency pulses concentrated and focused on a specific area, doctors and therapists can target specific disorders, diseases, and even pain to provide effective and long-lasting treatment options. For those suffering from mild or chronic lower back pain, PEMFs may be the solution that you’ve been looking for.
What Exactly Is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy?
Electronic devices which use PEMF technology do so by emitting electromagnetic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing, recovery, and regeneration processes. By adjusting the frequencies according to each individual patient and their specific needs, you can actually customize the type of therapy they get. This is much more effective than the one-size-fits-all treatments of yesteryear.
Although other types of electromagnetic fields can actually harm your body, such as x-ray machines and microwaves, it is the frequency of exposure that makes the difference. With PEMF devices, the controlled waves are very low in frequency and they occur in short bursts. This is the same way electromagnetic waves occur in nature. Additionally, the frequency used in therapy is oftentimes lower than what is present in a typical rainstorm.
How Does It Help With Pain Management?
Everything in your entire body, from the skin to the bones and even to the organs is composed of cells. These cells carry both positive and negative magnetic charges, when healthy. This electromagnet activity is necessary for the purpose of exchanging ions within the body. These ions carry various chemical elements which are required for healthy function and operation. Examples include potassium and calcium, just to name a couple.
When these cells are damaged, injured or simply deteriorate due to age, those magnetic charges start to dissipate. When that happens, their ability to exchange ions is also compromised. This can lead to a number of health related issues including fatigue, inflammation, and pain. PEMF therapy targets these damaged or compromised areas, resulting in the restoration of the cells and their electromagnetic charges. And this isn’t only referring to lower back pain. Other concerns which can arise as a result of this problem include:
- Neck Pain
- Frozen Shoulder
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Foot Pain
- Neuropathy pain
The Effects of PEMFs Specifically On the Lower Back
The magnetic fields in your body, contained in those ions, help the cells to signal the body. This can include instructions to do something, warning signs that there is a problem, or pain to indicate something serious is going on. When that process is disrupted, particularly in the lower back region, a number of other issues can arise.
Anyone who has ever experienced lower back pain knows that other than perhaps the feet, no part of the body affects the rest of it more. When your back hurts, it can impede nearly all of your motor functions. Standing and walking becomes more difficult. Even just sitting up in a chair or on the couch can be excruciating.
However, PEMF therapy is so highly concentrated that it can be applied directly to the specific area of the lower back that is causing problems. In fact, many patients experience real results after just a few sessions in some cases.
To illustrate this point, two recent studies – one released in 2016 and the other in 2019, show a significant improvement in back pain experienced by patients who underwent regular PEMF therapy. In as little as 12 weeks, participants reported a notable decrease in lower back pain while also enjoying improved flexibility and functionality.
Who Would Be a Good Candidate for this Type of Therapy?
Obviously, nearly anyone who is suffering from lower back pain would be someone who may want to consider PEMF therapy. However, it is important to always consult with your doctor before beginning any type of medical treatment. Pregnant women and those who have a pacemaker are oftentimes not ideal patients for these programs. Get in touch with the experts here at BioBalance to learn more.
