Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS) in Subjects With Lumbar Radiculopathy: An Electromyography-guided Prospective, Randomized Study

Background/aim: Lumbar radiculopathy refers to the disruption of one or more lumbosacral nerve root functions, usually causing radiating pain and functional impairments.

Patients and methods: We aimed to analyze the role of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) alone or in association with physiokinesiotherapy (PKT) in treating lumbar radiculopathy. A total of 41 patients diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy were randomly allocated to the rPMS group and the rPMS plus PKT group. Subjects were then administered a total of 10 treatment sessions.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was highlighted in both groups in terms of pain score, and electromyography (EMG) analysis depicted a far superior functional recovery in the rPMS plus PKT group.

Conclusion: rPMS can constitute an effective treatment for subjects with lumbar radiculopathy and its association with a complex physical rehabilitation program could improve the outcome in these patients.