Pain
At the TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara, we treat a variety of different pain conditions, including: chronic pain, neuropathy, and migraines.
TMS therapy for chronic pain, neuropathy, and migraines is not covered by insurance. Treatments for chronic pain require a functional MRI (fMRI) beforehand.
Chronic Pain
Pain which lasts longer than six months is generally considered to be “Chronic Pain.” There are over 200,000 new cases of Chronic Pain in the U.S. each year. Today, Chronic Pain affects roughly 50 million Americans, 19.6 million of which experience “high-impact” chronic pain which severely limits work or daily activities. [1] Every aspect of day-to-day living is affected by it and for many traditional drug therapy is ineffective. The “opioid crisis” that has been so much in the news lately has placed increased emphasis on the need to find non-drug or at least non-opioid based alternatives. Pain of this type and duration also is known to cause certain mood disorders, including depression. TMS therapy has long been known to alleviate pain symptoms, particularly when applied in combination with other therapies. In fact, a single session of TMS has been shown to reduce the detection of pain. [2]
Neuropathy
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage to one or more nerves and as used here refers particularly to dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system. [4] Peripheral neuropathy often causes sharp intermittent pain, tingling, numbness and/or muscle atrophy. Neuropathy can result from a wide range of conditions such as diabetes and even treatments like chemotherapy. [5]
Migraine
Migraine refers to a severe form of headache which may last from hours to days and which may be so intense that it interferes with daily activities. Migraines are characterized by a pulsating or throbbing sensation typically on one side of the head and may be preceded by what is referred to as an “aura” (often described as flashing light or some visual distortion). Migraines are often treated with various medications. In 2013 the FDA approved the use of TMS to treat migraines. [6]
Our approach
At the TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara our specialists develop specific treatment protocols for individual pain conditions. If you’re experiencing pain, your medications are not working and there’s no end in sight, call the Santa Barbara TheraMind Center office today to set up a free initial consultation.
References
- “Prevalence of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2016.” CDC.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 14, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6736a2.htm
- Roi Treister, Ph.D., Magdalena Lang, M.D., Max M. Klein, Ph.D. and Anne Louise Oaklander, M.D., Ph.D., “Non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) of the Motor Cortex for Neuropathic Pain—At the Tipping Point?”, Rambam Maimonides Med J | www.rmmj.org.il 1 October 2013 Volume 4 Issue 4 e0023
- “Prevalence.” FMAware.org, The National Fibromyalgia Association, https://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/prevalence/.
- “Neuropathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuropathy.
- “What Is Neuropathy? How to Spot the Signs, Understand the Causes, Get Treatment, Build a Good Diet for Management, Start Exercising, and More.” EverydayHealth.com, https://www.everydayhealth.com/neuropathy/guide/. August 7, 2019.
- “FDA Approves Device to Treat Migraines With Auras.” PracticalPainManagement.com, https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/conditions/headache/fda-approves-device-treat-migraines-auras. June 12, 2017.
TheraMind Center of Santa Barbara
351 Hitchcock Way, Ste. B170
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: (805) 845-4455 | Fax: (805) 845-9820