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Cranial ElectroStim Device for Pain

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/26/2014 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm curious, has anyone here ever tried a CES device?
I bought one a few months back and -- though hardly confident it played a role (as I still suspect quackery) -- pain levels have been better lately.

Here are a few links, including some positive data suggesting efficacy for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia. From what I can tell, the studies aren't always adequately blinded, but some at least which are properly designed still show efficacy.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranial_electrotherapy_stimulation
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/interventional/stimulators/ces-treatment-pain-related-disorders
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127367/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2957248/
https://ispub.com/IJA/8/2/12659
Posted 11/26/2014 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've never tried it, but, my psychiatrist really believes in electro-stim for a lot of ailments, and I trust her a lot. She is very skeptical and if she thinks it's effective, I trust her.
Posted 11/27/2014 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I was using it 2x per day for about a month. After that, I stopped my Oxycontin. However, I also increased my exercise during that time and bought a new car (the former might have been exacerbating my hip issues). So, I'm not sure about the cause, but the CES device might have helped.

Unfortunately, they're not cheap, but I suspect one can periodically find them used on ebay or elsewhere. I've also seen ads to rent the original CES the "Fisher Wallace Stimulator". The device I bought was from Canada and cost about $250. If anyone can get one for cheap, I think it is worth a shot and for one reason or another, I have been able to cut back on my meds.
Posted 11/27/2014 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Is there a rep for a company that makes them who consults with your PM doc? That's a good place to start, at least maybe you could get a sample. Research the companies that make them and ask at your doc's office.

Reps from ALL those companies usually call on their offices. Even if it's not something they keep samples of around, they can probably get you one. It's a big investment to make if you don't even know that it will work.

OOPS! ETA - I didn't read the OP all the way to see you already had one, DUH - at any rate, if that one isn't as effective as you think it could be, try seeing if you can try a different brand through a rep at your doc's office.
Posted 11/28/2014 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Stim shock junkie! The problem is that it is too close to the brain and the standing rule is no stim shck above the neck. I tried it on my right jaw as it was bending the rule and it did nothing except cost me a lot. The insurance did not cover as much as I would of liked.

I had no luck with it on my jaw, but for a back strain years ago it was great.
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