Why Electrical Stimulation Of Nerves Reduces Pain - Gate Control TheoryGate Control Theory was first described by Melzack and Wall in 1965 (Science. 1965 Nov 19;150(699):971-9.). Stated simply, nerve fibres from all parts of the body (muscles, organs, vessels, etc) pass through the spinal cord to the brain, where they are interpreted by the brain and a decision is made about what to do with the messages. There are different classes of nerve fibres (with different diameters) responsible for different sensations, such as "light touch", "pain", "temperature", "pressure", to name just a few. When pain is experienced, there is stimulation of the "pain" fibres and pain becomes the dominant sensation. The Gate Control Theory states that there is a gating mechanism in the spinal cord that normally "closes" in response to the large diameter fibres ("touch"), and "opens" in response to the smaller diameter fibres ("pain"). The theory is consistent with the idea that, for survival, it's important to detect and respond to pain (eg. tissue damage, which equals impending danger) in preference to other less urgent signals. So in clinical application, if you can stimulate the larger diameter nerves, they will "shut the gate" to the central nervous system so that the signals coming from the pain class of nerve fibres (smaller diameter) cannot be detected as strongly. The aim of the clinical application is to find a method to stimulate the large diameter nerve fibres. Next: Disclaimer: Seek medical advice Electrical stimulation is used to achieve temporary pain relief it does not treat the underlying cause of the pain. Users of PAINEZER are therefore strongly advised to seek professional medical advice, and to develop a management plan that is most appropriate for your condition (i.e. is safe, effective and cost effective, and deals with the cause of the problem if possible). Electrical stimulation is one possible means to achieve some pain reduction, which does not have the side-effects of many other treatments, and is deserving of consideration as part of your overall management plan. PAINEZER has no interactions with drugs, which makes it quite safe in a range of situations, but there are some situations where you should seek medical advice before commencing or continuing with PAINEZER treatment: if you suffer from epilepsy; if you are or become pregnant; or if you use a pacemaker. Also, you shouldn't use your PAINEZER directly over metal implants. | |
