Non-invasive treatment for chronic neuropathic pain using magnetic stimulation
Official title: Transspinal Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11037147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, non-surgical way to help people with chronic pain in their back and legs by using a special magnetic pulse to stimulate the spinal cord, and it's designed for those looking for relief without the need for surgery or strong pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,565,780 |
| NIH project number | 1R18EB036591-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain in the back and legs who have not found relief through conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who have already undergone spinal surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new non-invasive method for treating chronic neuropathic pain in the back and legs using High Frequency Trans-Spinal Magnetic Stimulation (HF-TSMS). Unlike traditional spinal cord stimulation, which requires surgical implantation, this approach utilizes a novel 10kHz magnetic pulse to stimulate the spinal cord without the need for invasive procedures. The study aims to refine this technology based on previous successes in similar treatments and to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing pain and reliance on opioids. Patients may experience pain relief through a brief treatment targeting specific spinal areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective alternative for managing chronic pain without the need for surgery or long-term implants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with non-invasive stimulation techniques, making this approach promising yet still innovative in the context of spinal pain management.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonmassar, Giorgio — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bonmassar, Giorgio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.