P311 The effectiveness of the complex repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy

Abstract

Objective In the modern society the low back pain (LBP) is the most common cause of temporary disability with estimated life time prevalence as high as 23–80% (Pedisic et al., 2013). LBP with radiculopathy is considered as the most unfavorable prognostic risk factor for the development of chronic pain syndrome and low quality of life (Konstantinou et al., 2013). The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term efficacy of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in the treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Methods Patients with pain and sensory symptoms resulting from lumbosacral radiculopathy has been enrolled into the study. All patients received conventional drug therapy. A magnetic stimulator MagProO100 (Magventure, Denmark) with CC-coil Cool-125 was used. We assessed the individual motor evoked potential (MEP) thresholds before the rPMS. Treatment consisted of 10 or 15 sessions, each lasting 20 min, with frequency 1 Hz and intensity of stimulus above the MEP threshold. The duration of rPMS treatment depended on the severity of pain syndrome. Patients were evaluated before, immediately after finalizing the rPMS treatment and one month later. Results Fifteen patients (mean age 41.8 ± 14.5 years, 5 men, 10 women) has been included into the study. All participants reported the improvement in the functional status (confirmed by Oswestry questionnaire): 34.4 ± 11.3% before and 17.6 ± 8% at the end of the rPMS course (primary endpoint). The VAS pain level has been decreased by 50% in comparison to the baseline. Reduction of pain and disability remained unchanged for one month after completion of the combined treatment. Conclusion The preliminary results of our study demonstrate that the combination of traditional drug therapy and the rPMS can have positive short-term effects on functional status and pain in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy. Further investigations are warranted for development of the individualized rPMS treatment algorithm.