Magnetic resonance therapy

Therapeutic nuclear magnetic resonance is a treatment method in which the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance is used therapeutically.

Patients are subjected to three different fields: a static magnetic field, a modulated magnetic field and a pulsed radio -frequency field. This metabolic processes are activated in the body and regenerative processes are initiated in purposefully controllable different cell and tissue groups. So far, there are small individual scientific studies ( 62-70 pts), which are indicative of efficacy, even a tiny (39 pts) long-term study on the basis of up to four years previous therapy. The technology is used by proponents mainly in degenerative diseases of the supporting and locomotor, joint disease ( osteoarthritis ), at sports and accident injuries, as well as in osteoporosis and metabolic disturbances in the area of the bone.

Principle of operation

(→ Main article: Magnetic Resonance Imaging ), ( → Basics - Main article: Nuclear spin, nuclear magnetic resonance)

Magnetic resonance imaging has long been used in clinical diagnostics as an imaging method for accurate representations tissue ( organ, tissue and bone structures). The basis for the generation of MRI images the property of hydrogen atoms to align in a magnetic field like compass needles in one direction. Deflecting radio waves of a certain resonance frequency in addition to the aligned atoms, this pulse ensures that they rotate up to 180 degrees and thereby absorb energy. If the radio waves off again, as the atoms fall back to its original state. The first recorded energy is released again. Even with small flux densities can be brought about so basically nuclear magnetic resonance. The effect of hydrogen atoms in different tissue structures react differently, one tries to harness the therapeutic nuclear magnetic resonance method. Targeted on the homologies of specific hydrogen ion channels (protons) with receptors for vanillic acid, which in turn are responsible for the transmission of pain.

The technical specifications of the method lies in the fact that the effect of rapid adiabatic pulses is used to generate the magnetic resonance in small and inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The hardware systems are medical devices in Class IIa according to the requirements of Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC. The magnetic fields produced are in milli Tesla range and are therefore with respect to the fields in the diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging as a factor 1000m weaker. The technology is also patented in many countries.

The treatment is noninvasive. The patient supports the region to be treated in a flat annular or open applicator.

Use

Studies on the effectiveness

The effectiveness of therapeutic nuclear magnetic resonance were performed in vivo and in vitro studies and studies in animal models. The method was also presented at medical conferences and symposia in lectures and poster presentations, and there are additional publications in German and Austrian doctors journals. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 70 patients and a follow-up period of 6 months for finger joint osteoarthritis was found that the finger function was improved significantly high in manual activities of daily life for several months while reducing pain. To the effect of nuclear magnetic resonance to the success of rehabilitation for chronic back pain (lower back pain ), a study ( 60 patients) with evidence of a positive effect, even with respect to the pain, was performed.

At the Fachhochschule Aachen / Jülich several were conducted in vitro studies, in accordance with international standards on chondrocytes, osteoblasts, skin cells and the extracellular matrix. The influence of magnetic resonance has guided a tendenziellem growth of proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Further investigations with dermal fibroblasts showing that protein synthesis was altered in fibroblasts. Research with therapeutic nuclear magnetic resonance could also show that cross-links collagen and skin fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix have been influenced.

Areas of application

For the therapeutic application of nuclear magnetic resonance a broad spectrum of therapies is called in the conservative ( non-surgical ) Orthopedic proponents. The method is used to supplement the existing manual power range of conservative orthopedics and trauma surgery. In osteoarthritis, the method of treatment in the area of the joints is used, as well as tendon, ligament and tendon pain, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and Achilles tendon syndrome. Also, the disease of osteoporosis, bone necrosis, and metabolic and circulatory disorders in the area of ​​the bone should be able to be successfully treated with the therapy system. In Germany there are, according to the manufacturer, about 200 facilities in which about 10,000 patients are treated each year. In the field of evidence-based medical research, the procedure is no reception.

Critical reception

Although different physical principles underlying and the scientific and technological background is detectable another, some critics compare the technology of nuclear magnetic resonance with the much simpler technology of pulsed electromagnetic fields ( PEMF ) and see similarities. The subjects numbers in the individual studies are small. It should be noted that these studies were not published in explicit magazines, but in association organs and they do not meet the criteria for peer -reviewed journals. No information about the exact procedure and statistics. In scientific medicine, this therapy is " not yet proven scientifically perfect" in terms of their effectiveness as viewed. In the field of evidence-based medicine, the procedure due to the current insufficient study data no recognition.