By ACA staff
A device designed for Russian astronauts can relieve chronic pain, according to a Macquarie University study.
Participants in the university's neck-pain program all reported lower levels of pain after they used the Electro Neuro Adaptive Regulator (ENAR).
The battery-powered device, which is about he size of a mobile phone, is held over the parts of the body that experience pain and transmits electrical signals which stimulate nerve endings.
The technology behind the ENAR has been used to manage chronic pain in Russia after the system was developed for cosmonauts in the 1970s.
The ENAR has produced some amazing results, says Macquarie University's Rodney Bonello.
"A number of them [the participants] said this was the first time they ever received relief in their pain. They were thrilled," says Rodney who is also a chiropractor.
"There's no reason why if it works in the neck that it won't work for the back or shoulders or other places."
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) who are in charge of assessing medical products have listed the ENAR to approve their advertising. This does not mean the device has been approved by the TGA.
ENAR hasn't impressed pain management specialist Len Rose who claims the Macquarie study was too small.
"I know it's nice to have a study that claims you've got these results," says Dr Rose. "But it's got to be statistically provable otherwise you can't really take anything from it."
The ENAR is available through the manufacturer's website and costs $1400.
