Reduction of pain in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) associated with objective biochemical changes in circulating lymphocytes

In an effort to explain the benefit of therapeutic use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) a systemic effect has been proposed by us. To assess the efficacy of this approach, an objective biochemical approach was developed. Ten patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) were clinically evaluated, and lymphocytes were isolated from their blood samples obtained before and after exposure of the uninvolved limb to an EMF. Utilizing a SpectraCell method that includes radio labeled molecules and protein-free media for culturing the lymphocytes, an elevation of the content of fructose, serine, glycine, and calcium cellular metabolic uptake were found following in the culture to EMF in comparison with non-exposed lymphocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, the pain level was determined by a conventional visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after EMF exposure, evidencing a significant pain relief. Specifically, after exposure to 120 pps semi sinewave, 1500Gauss EMF, generated by a THERAMAG® device, an improvement in the flexibility of the limb and a reduction in swelling of the affected extremity were detected clinically. These findings are in concert with the new hypothesis that, with relief of pain, lymphocytes are predominately altered in their cell cycle from M phase to S phases associated with increased structuring of intracellular water. A consideration of the basic understanding of the role lymphocytes may be inferred from this preliminary study. An extensive review of the literature on the basic science and therapeutic use of magnetic fields in humans is provided in an attempt to understand the relevance of magnetic therapy of specific pain syndromes.