Well? there is such a method now. It's called electroanalgesia. This type of medical treatment involves the use of computer modulated electronic signals to irritate, ?tire out? and block the function of pain-carrying nerve fibers.

The device delivers a high frequency signal to obtain pharmaceutical level pain relieving effects? without the side effects of pain-killing drugs.

Let me explain...

You've probably heard about or even used TENS units... These devices deliver what is called low frequency stimulation. It feels like a buzzing or tapping. A TENS unit puts out about 100 beats per second and provides a ?distraction? for the pain. If you remove the TENS electrodes, the pain comes right back. But since it's the only electrical device the FDA allows you to take home, it has its place... particularly at 2 AM!

The next step up is the ?e-stim? or inferential device that the physical therapists and chiropractors use. It's a box that will deliver about 1,000 beats per second. Again, sometimes helpful, these inferential units do not have the strength to block pain signals effectively. They also can't block nerve cells in what is called the ?depolarized? state. The depolarized state is when nerve cells are most vulnerable to pain signal blockade.

Low frequency units also aren't strong enough to increase cyclic AMP levels. Cyclic AMP helps with tissue healing. Finally, low level electrical stimulation leads to accommodation, meaning your body becomes tolerant... gets used to the stimulus.

Low frequency devices don't really have the amperage or the band width to create an effective block. That's why so many people with chronic neck and low back pain go to the physical therapist or chiropractor and don't get better.

A German company named Senexas has developed an ultra high frequency device that provides what is called ?electroceutical? pain relief. Now this may be a bit hard to understand but basically this device delivers an ultra-high frequency stimulation (more than 20,000 HZ). Once you get into this range of stimulation, you can get sustained depolarization of nerve fibers. Cyclic AMP levels surge also leading to tissue healing. It's a non-invasive pain fiber block.

This is how the device works in layman's terms...

If you touch your leg, for you to sense that touch, the signal is perceived by your sensory nerves at about 1,000 beats per second. The Senexas device sends out impulses at 20,000 impulses per second so that the nerves are receiving stimulation at 20 times the rate they can keep up with. The sensory nerves quickly fatigue. The fatigue sets in at about 4 minutes and the sensory nerves are held in this state for another 25 minutes. The nerves go into a post hyperactive depression. This will lead to a reduction in pain level.

What's better is that the effect is cumulative. With each session, the pain relief should slowly get better. It takes about five sessions before we'll know for sure whether the device is working.

The Senexas device can be used for most neck and low back disorders, headache, shoulder, hip and knee pain, bursitis, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia. Treatments are given in blocks of five sessions spaced as closely together as possible. The physician will reevaluate your status after five sessions. If you respond you may be given up to fifteen treatments. Most insurances will pay for this treatment as well.

In addition to pain relief, you should also experience an improvement in range of motion.

What this device does also is help repair damage at a cellular level. It helps to promote circulation. And it helps tremendously with swelling and inflammation.

While it is not the miracle cure for all pain, it is a safe and effective alternative to drugs and needles. The only contraindications are: it can't be used with patients who have pace-makers, and it can't be used too near the heart. And it doesn't work for everybody. No treatment does. Let me say that again. No treatment works for everybody. However... this treatment is worth a try if everything else has failed or you want to avoid shots and pills.!

While you are getting the treatment, you need to communicate the level of comfort you want to feel. Some people like a strong stimulus while others like a more subtle gentle approach. Just let the staff know what works best for you.

There are multiple pad placements and multiple programs that can be used for a ?custom fit.?

Another situation where the Senexas device can be a lifesaver is the ?temporary set-back.?

While most people can live with a certain degree of discomfort or pain, there are things that happen that are part of life. Pain can flare up. Even though you're not a candidate for narcotics, you do need some pain relief and that's where this device can really help you also. Finally, acute strains and sprains are also helped. Healing time can be reduced significantly.

For more information about electroanalgesia and how it can help your arthritis pain, call the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland at (301) 694-5800.