Reserachers in the Netherlands have been working with GlaxoSmithKline on a new device that may provide an alternative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. For patients who still have pain with more traditional treatments, the device may provide needed relief. The device is surgically placed against a nerve in a patient’s neck. The device is turned on daily by a magnet and sends electrical impulses for three minutes, which may prevent painful inflammation by decreasing the amount of immune cells that travel to joints.
A clinical trial involving the device enrolled 20 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis. More than half experienced a reduction in pain, with one patient stating she was pain free with the device. Although encouraging results have been seen with the device so far, several more stages of testing will be required before the device is available to the public.
New device could stop rheumatoid arthritis pain without pills
Arthritis sufferers offered hope after electrical implants leave patients ‘pain free’
