Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Neck Myofascial Pain: A Safer Alternative

Neck myofascial pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in primary care, with traditional analgesic treatment often limited by suboptimal relief and systemic side effects, prompting guidelines such as the NICE Chronic Pain Guidelines to recommend non-pharmacologic approaches.

Recent real-world data reveal that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) can offer substantial benefits for patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, interrupting the cycle of muscle hypertonicity and nociceptive sensitization. Studies indicate that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation provides substantial pain relief and functional improvement in neck myofascial pain patients through targeted neuromodulation and enhanced local microcirculation Study on rPMS effectiveness.

rPMS works by delivering high-frequency magnetic pulses to the trapezius and nearby muscles, causing brief involuntary contractions that help normalize abnormal muscle tension and reduce increased sensitivity at trigger points.

Compared with non-steroidal analgesics and opioids, rPMS offers durable pain relief with a low incidence of mild adverse events—such as transient local discomfort or muscle twitching—but data on long-term safety remain limited.

A peer-reviewed evaluation found that rPMS reduced visual analog scale pain scores by a mean of 2.3 cm (95% CI: 1.8–2.8; p<0.01) and improved Neck Disability Index scores by 7.2 points (95% CI: 5.5–8.9; p=0.03), compared with reductions of 1.8 cm and 5.1 points respectively with oral analgesics.

For primary care physicians, incorporating rPMS into practice involves identifying suitable candidates—particularly those with refractory neck myofascial pain who report limited relief from conventional therapies—and collaborating with physiotherapy or pain management specialists to establish treatment protocols. Practical steps include baseline assessment with the Neck Disability Index, documenting visual analog scale scores, and arranging a series of rPMS sessions to monitor response and adjust plans.

Long-term evaluations will clarify the sustainability of rPMS benefits and optimal patient selection, but current data support its role as a safe adjunct or alternative to pharmacologic strategies in musculoskeletal pain management.

Key Takeaways:

• Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) offers effective, non-invasive relief for neck myofascial pain, minimizing reliance on analgesics.
• rPMS achieves mean pain reductions of 2.3 cm on the visual analog scale and functional gains of 7.2 points on the Neck Disability Index, with minimal adverse events.
• Addressing systemic inflammation alongside local neuromodulation may enhance outcomes in musculoskeletal disorders.
• Integration of rPMS sessions into primary care pathways requires collaboration with rehabilitation specialists and ongoing evaluation.