Spinal magnetic stimulation to treat chronic back pain: a feasibility study in veterans.

Chronic low back pain represents a significant societal problem leading to increased healthcare costs and quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of non-invasive spinal electromagnetic simulation (SEMS) to treat nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). A single-site prospective study was conducted to evaluate SEMS in reducing pain and improving disability.

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, prevents modulation of H-reflex induced by pulsed electromagnetic stimulation in spinal cord injured rats.

Our recent study revealed that spinal electromagnetic stimulation (sEMS) applied at low (0.2 Hz) frequencies may improve diminished transmission in damaged spinal cord in spinal cord injured (SCI) rats. We have recently begun a pilot study investigating the effects of sEMS in non-injured and SCI humans.

Modulation of H-reflex responses and frequency-dependent depression by repetitive spinal electromagnetic stimulation: From rats to humans and back to chronic spinal cord injured rats.

The lack of propagation of signals through survived fibers is among the major reasons for functional loss after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Our recent results of animal studies demonstrate that spinal electromagnetic stimulation (SEMS) can enhance transmission in damaged spinal cord, and this type of modulation depends on the function of NMDA receptors at the neuronal networks below the injury level. Here, our pilot human study revealed that administration of repetitive SEMS induced long-lasting modulation of H-responses in both healthy and participants with chronic SCI.

Roles and responsibilities of health care agents: views of patients and agents.

Two qualitative methods were used to explore, from the perspectives of both patients and agents, the roles and responsibilities of health care agents related to making end-of-life decisions. Results of the individual interviews revealed that both patients and agents did not have a clear understanding of the role, responsibility, and legal authority of health care agents. The results of the focus group of former agents indicated that when assuming the role, some agents had both knowledge and experience in making end-of-life decisions, whereas others had little understanding of their role.