Chronic and disabling pain is a major challenge because its efficient reduction requires to normalize brain function. Current treatments do not always achieve this and innovative therapeutic options are needed.
The overall objective of this project is to implement magnetic neurostimulation (MAG) as a new treatment option at the Centre de traitement de la douleur du CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Efficacy will be assessed for users (pain, satisfaction, activities, etc.) and the healthcare system (duration of patient care, opioid use, etc.).
MAG can normalize brain function and reactivate body perception, thereby reducing chronic pain. MAG is innovative in Quebec pain clinics and its combination with rehabilitation is a unique personalized approach (Dr C Schneider).
This low-cost option should raise the therapeutic level of pain treatment for both the user and the health care system. Reducing pain and pain-related disability beyond the gains normally reached could potentially improve the quality of life, thus reducing treatment duration and waiting lists, increasing the number of users treated, etc. The benefits could be significant for the health care system (lower costs, decongestion of the system, reduced opioid consumption, etc.). These results could therefore make it possible to position MAG as an integral part of treatments that meet the ministerial standards of the chronic pain.