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Scrambler Therapy

PAIN TREATMENT

Scrambler Therapy: Pain Management

Scrambler Therapy® is an innovative, non-invasive pain management treatment that retrains how your nervous system interprets pain signals to relieve chronic pain.[1] For patients who suffer from neuropathy, cancer, drug-resistant pain or other persistent pain conditions, Scrambler Therapy is a promising alternative to other treatments, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).[2] This cutting-edge electro-analgesia treatment is FDA-approved to provide long-lasting pain relief and improve symptoms, such as tingling, numbness and other sensations associated with chronic neuropathy. [3]
Let’s explore Scrambler Therapy, how it works, and which conditions can benefit most from this novel treatment.

How Scrambler Therapy Devices Work

MC5-A Scrambler Therapy® uses neuroplasticity to retrain the affected nerves to send a “no pain” signal to the brain. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480297/] The neurons are “scrambled” using electrical currents and reprogrammed to reduce pain impulses to alleviate pain and neuropathy symptoms without the use of medication or surgery.[2]

The device used for reprogramming or neuromodulation looks similar to an electrocardiogram machine and produces micro-electrical impulses.[4] Electrodes are applied near the pain source, such as arms, legs or torso, to override pain signals before they are sent to the brain.[3] After multiple treatments, the brain begins to expect new, non-painful sensations.[3] This brain retraining can last long after sessions have ended and, in many cases, offers patients months of life-altering relief from painful neuropathic or oncological symptoms.

Difference Between TENS & Scrambler Nerve Treatment

According to Healio, in studies conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers, both TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and Scrambler Therapy use electrical impulses for pain relief, but the similarities end there. TENS temporarily blocks pain signals and stops working once turned off, while neuromodulation is an in-office treatment that reprograms the brain’s pain response through neuroplasticity (brain retraining). This retraining often results in longer-lasting pain relief compared to TENS.

Conditions Treated with Scrambler Therapy

Pain management specialists use neuromodulation to treat chronic pain conditions, including:

  • Chronic neuropathic pain [5]
  • Low back pain [5]
  • Cervicobrachial syndrome [5]
  • Pancreas and abdominal cancer pain [6]
  • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy [6]
  • Non-cancer pain, such as neuropathic back pain [6/]
  • Post-herpetic pain (shingles pain) [6]
  • Bone metastases [6]
  • Complex regional pain syndrome [6]
  • Post-mastectomy pain [6]
  • Spinal cord stenosis [6]
  • Failed back syndrome – after surgery, pain worsens 6]
  • Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or tic douloureux (severe facial pain) [7]

Benefits of Scrambler Therapy

A significant benefit of Scrambler Therapy is that it’s non-invasive, making it a safer option compared to surgery or long-term medication use. Patients usually experience minimal to zero side effects and may experience extended or permanent pain relief without additional treatments.[2] Further benefits associated with neuromodulation therapy pain reduction are improved sleep, the ability to return to normal activities, improved sensory neuropathy symptoms and a significant reduction in analgesic use, including opioids, antidepressants and anticonvulsants.[1]
Not all neuropathic, cancer or chronic pain patients qualify for this therapy and should consult with a pain management provider experienced with Scrambler Therapy.

Scrambler Therapy Specialists & Pain Management Clinics

If you’re considering Scrambler Therapy, consulting with a specialist experienced in this advanced pain management technique is essential. Successful neuromodulation treatment relies heavily on the provider’s experience and training. Pain management clinics offering Scrambler Therapy have dedicated professionals specializing in this modality.
Your pain management doctor can assess your needs and develop a tailored treatment plan that maximizes the benefits of Scrambler Therapy. By working with a qualified provider, you can take a proactive step towards regaining control over your pain, improving your well-being and returning to your previous activity level.
Chronic nerve pain and discomfort don’t have to dictate your life or limit your daily activities. Consult a pain management clinic to find expert care and customized Scrambler Therapy sessions to alleviate your persistent pain and allow you to reclaim your life.

Resources:

  1. Majithia N, Smith TJ, Coyne PJ, et al. Scrambler Therapy for the management of chronic pain. Supportive care in cancer: official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer [Internet]. 2016;24(6):2807-2814. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3177-3 Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973603/ 
  2. Scrambler Therapy May Offer Lasting Relief for Chronic Pain, Review Paper Suggests. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/07/scrambler-therapy-may-offer-lasting-relief-for-chronic-pain-review-paper-suggests 
  3. Scrambler Technology Life Changing for Many Patients with Neuropathic Pain. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published April 29, 2024. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/scrambler-technology-life-changing-for-many-patients-with-neuropathic-pain 
  4. Mayo Clinic researchers test scrambler therapy for pain. Healio [Internet]. Published January 06, 2024. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20160106/mayo-clinic-researchers-test-scrambler-therapy-for-pain
  5. Marineo G. Inside the Scrambler Therapy, a Noninvasive Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic and Cancer Pain: From the Gate Control Theory to the Active Principle of Information. Integrative Cancer Therapies [Internet] Accessed August 31, 2024. 2019;18:153473541984514. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735419845143 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6482660/ 
  6. Colbert L. Scrambler Therapy for Treating Neuropathic Pain. The Foundation For Peripheral Neuropathy [Internet]. Published December 9, 2016. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.foundationforpn.org/scrambler-therapy-for-treating-neuropathic-pain/ 
  7. Trigeminal Neuralgia. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/trigeminal-neuralgia
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