Pain and Inflammation Treatment: Nerve Stimulation in Sync with Body Rhythms

ear model

Electronic signals and a model of the ear Credit

Treating chronic pain and inflammation doesn’t always require medication. According to a study by the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), stimulating the nervous system with electrical impulses, specifically targeting the vagus nerve, can offer an alternative treatment method.

The ‘Electric Pill’

Known as the ‘electric pill,’ this method involves using small electrodes attached to the ear to activate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, the longest nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, is crucial for regulating internal organs and blood circulation, contributing significantly to the body’s recovery and reserve-building processes.

Effective Synchronization

However, the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation depends on its synchronization with the body’s natural rhythms, such as the heartbeat and breathing. Experiments have shown that electrical stimulation generates stronger effects when applied during the heart’s contraction phase (systole) and the inhalation phase.

So, staying synched up is key to benefiting from this innovative treatment.