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Gupta A, Han D, Norwood SM. H-Wave ® Device Stimulation for Chronic Neck Pain: A Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Study. Pain Ther 2024; 13:829-841. [PMID: 38733549 PMCID: PMC11255171 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic neck pain (cNP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, often being refractory to conventional forms of treatment. Various forms of electrical stimulation have been proposed to decrease pain and improve function. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for treatment of cNP have rarely been published. METHODS An independent retrospective statistical analysis of PROMs data for users of H-Wave® device stimulation (HWDS), prospectively collected by the device manufacturer over a 4-year period, was conducted. Final surveys for 34,192 pain management patients were filtered for pain chronicity limited to 3-24 months and device use of 22-365 days, resulting in 11,503 patients with "all diagnoses"; this number was further reduced to 1482 patients with cNP, sprain, or strain. RESULTS Neck pain was reduced by 3.13 points (0-10 pain scale), with significant (≥ 20%) relief in 86.6%. Function/activities of daily living (ADL) improved in 96.19%, while improved work performance was reported in 84.76%. Medication use decreased or stopped in 65.42% and sleep improved in 60.39%. Over 95% reported having expectations met or exceeded, service satisfaction, and confidence in device use, while no adverse events were reported. Subgroup analyses found positive benefit associations with longer duration of device use. CONCLUSION Near-equivalent outcomes were self-reported by cNP HWDS patients as for (previously published) chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients. HWDS provided effective and safe cNP relief, improvements in function and ADL, along with additional benefits including decreased medication use, better sleep, and improved work performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA, 30043, USA.
- Regenerative Orthopaedics, Noida, UP, 201301, India.
| | - David Han
- Department of Management Science and Statistics, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
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Coffee Z, Cheng K, Slebodnik M, Mulligan K, Yu CH, Vanderah TW, Gordon JS. The Impact of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Opioid Use for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:794. [PMID: 38929040 PMCID: PMC11203961 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite the lack of evidence, opioids are still routinely used as a solution to long-term management for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). Given the significant risks associated with long-term opioid use, including the increased number of unregulated opioid pills at large in the opioid ecosystem, opioid cessation or reduction may be the desired goal of the patient and clinician. Viable nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) to complement and/or replace opioids for CNCP are needed. Comprehensive reviews that address the impact of NPIs to help adults with CNCP reduce opioid use safely are lacking. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies published in English. The initial search was conducted in April 2021, and updated in January 2024. The literature search yielded 19,190 relevant articles. Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and underwent data extraction. Of these, nineteen (49%) were randomized controlled trials, eighteen (46%) were observational studies, and two (5%) were secondary analyses. Among adults with CNCP who use opioids for pain management, studies on mindfulness, yoga, educational programs, certain devices or digital technology, chiropractic, and combination NPIs suggest that they might be an effective approach for reducing both pain intensity and opioid use, but other NPIs did not show a significant effect (e.g., hypnosis, virtual reality). This review revealed there is a small to moderate body of literature demonstrating that some NPIs might be an effective and safe approach for reducing pain and opioid use, concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanette Coffee
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Kevin Cheng
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | | | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Veterans Health Administration, Central California, Fresno, CA 93706, USA
| | - Chong Ho Yu
- Department of Mathematics, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA;
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Judith S. Gordon
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
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Gupta A, Norwood SM. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs. H-Wave® device stimulation-similar or different? FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1321148. [PMID: 38566860 PMCID: PMC10985325 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1321148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA, United States
- Regenerative Orthopaedics, Noida, India
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Norwood SM, Han D, Gupta A. H-Wave ® Device Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Study. Pain Ther 2024; 13:113-126. [PMID: 38180725 PMCID: PMC10796857 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a problem globally, creating a tremendous economic burden. Since conventional treatments often fail, various forms of electrical stimulation have been proposed to improve function and decrease pain. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have not been adequately reported in the electrical stimulation literature. METHODS A retrospective independent statistical analysis was conducted on PROMs data for users of H-Wave® device stimulation (HWDS) collected by the device manufacturer over a period of 4 years. Final surveys for 34,192 pain management patients were filtered for pain chronicity limited to 3-24 months and device use of 22-365 days, resulting in 11,503 patients with "all diagnoses"; this number was then reduced to 2711 patients with nonspecific cLBP, sprain, or strain. RESULTS Reported pain was reduced by 3.12 points (0-10 pain scale), with significant (≥ 20%) relief in 85.28%. Function/activities of daily living (ADL) improved in 96.36%, while improved work performance was reported in 81.61%. Medication use decreased or stopped in 64.41% and sleep improved in 59.76%. Over 96% reported having expectations met or exceeded, service satisfaction, and confidence in device use, while no adverse events were reported. Subgroup analyses found positive associations with longer duration of device use, home exercise participation, and working, whereas older age and longer pain chronicity resulted in reduced benefit. Similar analysis of the larger all-diagnoses cohort demonstrated near-equivalent positive outcomes. CONCLUSION Treatment outcomes directly reported by cLBP HWDS patients demonstrated profound positive effects on function and ADL, robust improvement in pain perception, and additional benefits like decreased medication use, better sleep, and improved work performance, representing compelling new evidence of treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Han
- Department of Management Science and Statistics, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA, 30043, USA.
- Regenerative Orthopaedics, Noida, UP, 201301, India.
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Allen CB, Williamson TK, Norwood SM, Gupta A. Do Electrical Stimulation Devices Reduce Pain and Improve Function?-A Comparative Review. Pain Ther 2023; 12:1339-1354. [PMID: 37751060 PMCID: PMC10616008 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple forms of electrical stimulation (ES) potentially offer widely varying clinical benefits. Diminished function commonly associated with acute and chronic pain lessens productivity and increases medical costs. This review aims to compare the relative effects of various forms of ES on functional and pain outcomes. METHODS A comprehensive literature search focused on studies of commonly marketed forms of ES used for treatment of pain and improvement of function. Peer-reviewed manuscripts were categorized as "Important" (systematic review or meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, observational cohort study) and "Minor" (retrospective case series, case report, opinion review) for each identified form of ES. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Varying forms of ES have markedly different technical parameters, applications, and indications, based on clinically meaningful impact on pain perception, function improvement, and medication reduction. Despite being around for decades, there is limited quality evidence for most forms of ES, although there are several notable exceptions for treatment of specific indications. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has well-demonstrated beneficial effects for rehabilitation of selective spinal cord injured (SCI), post-stroke, and debilitated inpatients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has similarly shown effectiveness in rehabilitation of some stroke, SCI, and foot drop outpatients. H-Wave® device stimulation (HWDS) has moderate supportive evidence for treatment of acute and refractory chronic pain, consistently demonstrating improvements in function and pain measures across diverse populations. Interestingly, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), the most widely used form of ES, demonstrated insignificant or very low levels of pain and functional improvement. CONCLUSION Ten of 13 reviewed forms of ES have only limited quality evidence for clinically significant reduction of pain or improvement of function across different patient populations. NMES and FES have reasonably demonstrated effectiveness, albeit for specific clinical rehabilitation indications. HWDS was associated with the most clinically significant outcomes, in terms of functional improvement combined with reduction of pain and medication use. More rigorous long-term clinical trials are needed to further validate appropriate use and specific indications for most forms of ES. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian B Allen
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, TX, 78235, USA
| | - Tyler K Williamson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | - Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA, 30043, USA.
- Regenerative Orthopaedics, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, India.
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Bajaj A, Han D, Elman I, Thanos PK, Dennen CA, Badgaiyan RD, Bowirrat A, Barh D, Blum K. Positive Clinical Outcomes for Severe Reported Pain Using Robust Non-Addictive Home Electrotherapy-A Case-Series. J Pers Med 2023; 13:336. [PMID: 36836570 PMCID: PMC9965228 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The North American opioid epidemic has resulted in over 800,000 related premature overdose fatalities since 2000, with the United States leading the world in highest opioid deaths per capita. Despite increased federal funding in recent years, intended to address this crisis, opioid overdose mortality has continued to increase. Legally prescribed opioids also chronically induce a problematic reduction in affect. While an ideal analgesic has yet to be developed, some effective multimodal non-opioid pharmacological regimens for acute pain management are being more widely utilized. Some investigators have suggested that a safer and more scientifically sound approach might be to induce "dopamine homeostasis" through non-pharmacological approaches, since opioid use even for acute pain of short duration is now being strongly questioned. There is also increasing evidence suggesting that some more robust forms of electrotherapy could be applied as an effective adjunct to avoid the problems associated with opioids. This 4-patient case-series presents such an approach to treatment of severe pain. All 4 of these chiropractic treatment cases involved a component of knee osteoarthritis, in addition to other reported areas of pain. Each patient engaged in a home recovery strategy using H-Wave® device stimulation (HWDS) to address residual extremity issues following treatment of spinal subluxation and other standard treatments. A simple statistical analysis was conducted to determine the change in pain scores (Visual Analogue Scale) of pre and post electrotherapy treatments, resulting in significant reductions in self-reported pain (p-value = 0.0002). Three of the four patients continued using the home therapy device long-term as determined by a post-analysis questionnaire. This small case-series demonstrated notably positive outcomes, suggesting consideration of home use of HWDS for safe, non-pharmacological and non-addictive treatment of severe pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Bajaj
- School of Chiropractic, Cleveland University Health Sciences, Overland Park, KS 66210, USA
- Bajaj Chiropractic, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - David Han
- Department of Management Science and Statistics, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Catherine A. Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA 19114, USA
| | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology, Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur 721172, India
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Kenneth Blum
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Center for Behavioral Health & Sports, Exercise, Psychiatry, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Kazinczy u. 23-27, 1075 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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