TMS for Pain Management

 

TMS for Pain Management in Colorado Springs and Monument

Although psychiatrists are more typically associated with helping patients dealing with depression or other mental health issues, psychiatrists also play an important role in helping patients with pain management. According to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated 35 to 45 percent of people with chronic pain also experience depression. In a recent study, people with chronic pain had a nearly 33 percent higher rate of severe depression than those without chronic pain.

Psychiatrists are well-positioned to help patients with both chronic pain issues and mental health struggles that can result from dealing with chronic pain. At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we help patients deal with both chronic pain and any associated mental health issues – such as depression or anxiety – that often accompany chronic pain issues.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an especially promising treatment available at our clinics in Colorado Springs and Monument. TMS uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain. This activity induces a stimulus/response mechanism that prompts the body to produce new, healthy neural pathways.

A psychiatrist speaks with her patient about her depression symptoms

Why Choose TMS for Chronic Pain Treatment?

TMS is a well-established therapy for multiple conditions including depression, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, addiction recovery, and cognitive function. Now TMS has received FDA-approval for the treatment of chronic pain.

TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions linked to pain and emotional processing, promoting healing with minimal side effects. TMS is safer for patients because it is a medication-free treatment for chronic pain. Many patients choose TMS to reduce or eliminate medication use.

TMS can be seamlessly integrated with existing pharmacological and physical therapy strategies, offering enhanced symptomatic relief with lower added risk. Many patients choose TMS precisely because it can complement other therapies or be used as a standalone treatment.

 

How TMS Helps with Pain Management

At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we use MagVenture TMS devices for applications such as pain management treatment. MagVenture Pain Therapy employs powerful focused magnetic pulses directed near the injured nerve, providing a non-invasive, painless approach to stimulate peripheral nerves for clinically proven pain relief. Unlike traditional treatments for chronic nerve pain, MagVenture Pain Therapy offers a unique neuromodulation technique.

 

 

Benefits of TMS Therapy for Chronic Pain

 

      • Safe with few side effects: TMS is well-tolerated, with no systemic side effects. More serious adverse events like fainting or seizures associated with TMS are rare at about 0.1%  
      • Medication reduction: TMS may help reduce dependency on pain meds, antidepressants, and sleep aids, with a corresponding reduction in medication-related side effects.
      • Improved daily function: Enhancements in sleep, cognitive clarity, and mood often lead to better engagement at work, home, and social activities.
      • Short time to relief: Patients can experience relief with sessions lasting just 13 minutes, spread over a two-month period. This non-pharmacologic treatment is a significant advancement for those seeking a safe, efficient alternative to surgery or medication for chronic pain relief.
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    A group of friends talk and laugh together, free from depression

    Questions and Answers About TMS for Chronic Pain

     

    Is TMS for pain therapy approved by the FDA?

    Yes, TMS has received clearance by the FDA for the treatment of chronic pain.

    Does insurance cover TMS for treatment of chronic pain?

    Insurance coverage for pain management treatment using TMS varies by insurance carrier. Although the treatment has been cleared by the FDA, insurance coverage often lags FDA approval. Our insurance experts at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions can work with your insurance on your behalf to determine coverage for treatment. They can also advise on other possible options for payment.

    Is TMS effective for chronic pain?

    Yes, TMS shows clear signs of being effective for pain management. In clinical trials, magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation using TMS showed an average pain relief
    of up to 87%
    .

    Ready to explore TMS?

    If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic pain and are seeking comprehensive, cutting-edge relief, our Colorado Springs psychiatry team is here to help. We invite you to schedule a consultation to determine whether TMS could be the next step toward improved well-being and pain management.