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Nerve Regeneration
Neuroregeneration is one of the key uses of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. PEMF can be applied to the Central Nervous System (CNS - includes the brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS - includes cranial and spinal nerves with associated ganglia).
According to American Association of Neurological Surgeons, more than a 100,000 new cases of Nervous System Disorders such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), SCI (Spinal Cord Injury), and PNI (Peripheral Nervous Injury) are reported each year.
Neuroregeneration or nerve repair refers to the regrowth or repair of nervous tissues, cells or cell products. Neuroregeneration differs between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS) in function and the speed and ability to regenerate.
Can nerves regenerate?
Current textbooks will offer this answer, lacking reflection on the possibilities and proven effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for nerve regeneration:
"Peripheral nerves are easily damaged, resulting in loss of motor and sensory function. Recovery of motor and sensory function after peripheral nerve injury is suboptimal, even after appropriate surgical repair. While the peripheral nervous system has an intrinsic ability for repair and regeneration, the central nervous system is, for the most part, incapable of self-repair and regeneration."(1)
This answer is what modern textbooks have to offer and does not reflect on the use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for nerve regeneration. It has now been proven that PEMF therapy can in fact bring back the CNS to life. (2)
"There was a significant difference in locomotor recovery between the PMF-stimulated and control groups." (12)
Professionals and institutions that work with neurodegeneration such as chiropractors, neurologists, physical therapists, orthopedists, regenerative medicine practitioners and indeed wellness, senior care and rehabilitation centers will find PEMF therapy to be one of the best solutions (3) to deploy for patient client needs.
Individuals suffering from a host of neurological issues such as spine / back pain(4), sciatica(5), cervical, herniated or ruptured disc(6), multiple sclerosis(7), or even stroke(8), arthritis, Parkinson’s disease(9, 10) and Alzheimer’s(11) disease can benefit tremendously with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.
In 2002, NASA’s PEMF scientist, Thomas J. Goodwin reported that 10 Hz PEMF therapy application to neural tissues resulted in 400% improvement in regeneration. We now know that astronauts do not go to space without PEMF and a pulsed magnetic field is essential for functioning of our body’s bioelectric system.
PEMF therapy use exhibits nerve regeneration symptoms such as slight increase in pain followed by quicker long-term pain relief even in chronic pain conditions. PEMF therapy is a great tool for anti-aging effects, much more powerful than any nerve regeneration supplements. With repeated use research shows that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can provide life-changing recovery without any side effects or risk of infection.
Although PEMF therapy is highly effective and safe, it is only now that awareness is building and institutions, doctors and new generations are becoming aware of this novel regenerative tool.
Sources:
1.
Schmidt C, Leach J. Neural tissue engineering: strategies for repair and regeneration. Annu Rev Biomed Eng. 2003;5:293-347. [PubMed]
2.
Crowe M, Sun Z, Battocletti J, Macias M, Pintar F, Maiman D. Exposure to pulsed magnetic fields enhances motor recovery in cats after spinal cord injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003;28(24):2660-2666. [PubMed]
3.
Sisken B, Kanje M, Lundborg G, Kurtz W. Pulsed electromagnetic fields stimulate nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 1990;1(3):303-309. [PubMed]
4.
Tang X, Alliston T, Coughlin D, et al. Dynamic imaging demonstrates that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) suppress IL-6 transcription in bovine nucleus pulposus cells. J Orthop Res. 2018;36(2):778-787. [PubMed]
5.
Foley K, Mroz T, Arnold P, et al. Randomized, prospective, and controlled clinical trial of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for cervical fusion. Spine J. 2008;8(3):436-442. [PubMed]
6.
Miller S, Coughlin D, Waldorff E, Ryaby J, Lotz J. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment reduces expression of genes associated with disc degeneration in human intervertebral disc cells. Spine J. 2016;16(6):770-776. [PubMed]
7.
Lappin M, Lawrie F, Richards T, Kramer E. Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic therapy on multiple sclerosis fatigue and quality of life: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003;9(4):38-48. [PubMed]
8.
Carey J, Chen M, Streib C. Video evidence of improved hand function following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy in stroke: a case report. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(5):792-797. [PubMed]
9.
Sandyk R. Speech impairment in Parkinson’s disease is improved by transcranial application of electromagnetic fields. Int J Neurosci. 1997;92(1-2):63-72. [PubMed]
10.
Chou Y, Hickey PT, Sundman M, Song AW, Chen N. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson Disease. JAMA Neurol. 2015;72(4):432. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.4380
11.
Hsu W, Ku Y, Zanto T, Gazzaley A. Effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on cognitive function in healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Aging. 2015;36(8):2348-2359. [PubMed]
12.
Neuroscience Research Laboratories, The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA. mcrowe@mcw.edu (PubMed)