Spinal Nerve Magnetic Stimulation for Drug-Free Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain management methods, particularly for chronic pain, often rely on addictive medications with significant side effects, and there is a need for a non-invasive, drug-free approach to effectively reduce pain without tolerance development.
Innovation Solution
Transcutaneous repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) is applied at high frequency over the nerve root of the spinal nerve connecting to the painful area, desensitizing the spinal nerve to reduce pain, using a device with a magnetic field generator and adjustable mount to target specific spinal nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opioid pain relievers are used to manage pain, then pain relief is achieved, but addiction and tolerance develop over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological intervention (chemical system) with magnetic field stimulation (physical field system). The magnetic field generator delivers pulsed magnetic fields to spinal nerve roots, desensitizing the nerves and reducing pain signals without introducing any chemical substances into the body, thereby eliminating addiction and tolerance issues while maintaining pain relief effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the external environment and the spinal nervous system. The magnetic field generator acts as a mediator that transmits energy through the skin and tissues to reach the spinal nerve roots, providing pain relief without direct contact with neural tissue and without introducing harmful substances
2Reliability
If simple pain medications are used, then pain relief is provided in 20-70% of cases, but significant side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical pharmacology with physical magnetic field stimulation. By using a magnetic field generator to deliver pulsed magnetic fields to specific spinal nerve roots, the system achieves pain relief through neural desensitization rather than chemical intervention, thereby eliminating medication side effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies magnetic field stimulation locally to specific spinal nerve roots corresponding to the painful region, rather than systemic medication affecting the entire body. The magnetic field generator is positioned to target only the relevant spinal segments, providing localized pain relief without exposing the patient to body-wide side effects
3Reliability
If larger dosages of medication are increased over time, then the same pain relief effect is maintained, but tolerance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed magnetic field delivery to spinal nerve roots. The magnetic field generator delivers sequences of magnetic pulses at specific frequencies and durations, creating rhythmic stimulation that desensitizes the nerves and provides sustained pain relief without the tolerance development associated with continuous chemical exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic, adjustable magnetic field parameters including variable pulse frequency, duration, and intensity. The magnetic field generator can be programmed with different stimulation protocols to adapt to individual patient needs and treatment responses, providing consistent pain relief through optimized temporal patterns rather than static dosing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides effective pain reduction without medication, reducing the severity of pain by desensitizing spinal nerves, offering a non-invasive and potentially long-term solution with minimal side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator configured to produce repetitive magnetic field pulses
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, easy-to-use treatment for pain that does not involve medication. Methods and devices herein use repetitive magnetic fields that desensitize the spinal nerve, thereby affecting transmission of pain signals from the treatment location to the brain.