Pain management is a very complex medical skill. Pain itself is designed to be the perception in the brain created by the transduction of an electrochemical signal from the point of affliction through the peripheral and central nervous system. As evidence of the individuality of pain perception is noted that the gold standard for pain management is morphine. Morphine itself has a 43% placebo effect, which is to say that if a saline solution was injected into the body instead of morphing, then 43% of the time the perception of pain would abate. The history of pain management includes its conduct by anesthesiologists and neurosurgeons, who typically prescribed drugs, including narcotics for pain management, and to operate to overcome the neurology of pain at the point of origin.

To date, the principal use of magnets has been in imaging, where the diagnosis of disease is substantially enhanced by the internal image generated by an MRI. There’s no question that the use of electromagnetic fields and static magnetic fields for therapeutic purposes is still in the infancy. The use of magnetic fields and medicine requires the comprehension of both neuroanatomy and physical chemistry. The perception of pain is the result of the transduction of pain signals from the point of affliction through the peripheral and central nervous systems of the brain. Magnetic therapy interrupts this transduction process by altering the charge at the neuron level so as to blockade action potential firings and negate overweight receptor sites.

Because of the peculiarities of pain, i.e., the variance of the perception of pain among individuals, the treatment of pain is very complex. The QuadraBloc technology intended to make this simple to the point of being low-cost, noninvasive, self applied, easy-to-use, and not habit forming,

QuadraBloc is unique. It is comprised of four, rare earth magnets arranged in alternating polarity in a very specific geometry, housed in a plastic case with a focus ring, which deflects 50% of the strength of these alternating magnetic fields towards the body. By placing the QuadraBloc directly over the point of affliction the individual and/or the healthcare professional can circumvent all of the problems associated with oral pharmacological treatments such as addiction, and the unintended side effects of G.I. bleeding etc. in contrasting the application of QuadraBlocs with invasive electrical apparatus, QuadraBlocs are applied topically and may be removed at any point without harmful side effects. T. The devices can be reused over and over again at the volition of the patient. QuadraBlocs are so low-cost that their use compares favorably with the sustained use of Tylenol and Advil.

Technorati Tags: magnets and medicine, medical magnets, Pain Management

Gradient Medical has for 20 years, researched the use of static magnetic fields in therapeutic treatment of a wide variety of pains and ailments. Many of the practical applications are identified on the website, www.QuadraBloc.com in the Vital Points segment by indication or topic. In addition to publications resulting from this research by our own scientists and confirmed by independent study, all published in notable journals of medicine, and included under the subject of Clinical Trial Reports, listed on website. In addition, there is a considerable attention paid to the frequently asked questions concerning the use of this therapy. The science of our magnetic therapy products is well documented on the website. In the brochure, which Gradient mails to perspective purchasers, describes the scientific investigation undertaken at Vanderbilt University by private funding under the direct supervision of independent faculty members whose charge it was to oversee the proper conduct of this research and the standard of professionalism required for independent review. The human testing of QuadraBloc which was conducted by the Company was overseen by the Institutional Review Board at the University as well. The team of scientists studying magnetic therapy in general and QuadraBloc specifically included a number of Neurologists, Pharmacologist, Radiologists, engineers and traditional doctors, as well as representatives of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. VUNS was instrumental in the development of the protocol for the use of QuadraBloc technology. The Magnetic Therapy, Informational Guide, which appears on the Video Testimonials page of the QuadraBloc website, was actually produced by the faculty of VUNS. In addition, the Australian Channel 9 News segment entitled Good Medicine depicts magnetic therapy research done at the University by one of the doctors in the department of neurology, Dr. Michael McLean.

In considering magnetic therapy for pain, one should look at the NBC News, dateline article on the website as presented by Mr. Keith Morrison, wherein the tremendous difficulties of Adam Craig are described. After consultation with 20 different doctors, Mr. Craig as young man was diagnosed with a neurological problem immediately prior to undergoing the recommended castration procedure. From that point, Mr. Craig, using the magnetic therapy product, QuadraBloc, completely recovered, went on to play college basketball on scholarship, and recovered from his horrific pain problems.

All forms of magnets do not produce the same results The research done at Vanderbilt University identified the steep field Gradient (as opposed to the level of magnetic flux) was in fact the determinant of this biological effect. The only product to produce such a steep field gradient (the Z axis) with a minimum of magnetic material is the QuadraBloc. Magnetic therapy should never be considered as the preferred alternative to surgery, for the treatment of open wounds, for use by pregnant women, or for utilization by persons wearing pacemakers or who are using any form of electromagnetic devices. QuadraBloc is not a substitute for professional healthcare diagnosis and management of severe problems. At the same time QuadraBloc may provide an ample first line of treatment for the everyday occurrence of aches and pains, especially among the senior citizenry.

Technorati Tags: Magnetic therapy, magnetic therapy for pain, magnetic therapy products

Magnetic bracelets and other forms of jewelry have not demonstrated a significant therapeutic value. When placed under the rigors of the scientific investigation, magnetic fields per se do not heal. Both electric magnet and static magnetic fields produce an energy, which when properly focused, can change the electrochemical properties of the body itself. When describing the mechanism of action for QuadraBloc in the treatment of pain, as an example, the science underscores the physical chemistry change (the change in the charge of the ion) which takes place in the calcium, and sodium channels when the efferent neuron receives 1.5 mT of the steep field gradient at the point of affliction. This affliction is the result of chemical , heat, or pressure stimulants. In the parlance of pain management this stimulus produces an electrochemical change at the neuronal level, which is transmitted in a form which looks like a Sine wave (an action potential). This action potential signal is transmitted along the peripheral and central nervous system in a process known as transduction. By the proper placement of this QuadraBloc strategically on the site of pain the transduction process is substantially curtailed. With the elimination of this pain signal the sensation of pain is eliminated in the brain.

The benefits of the use of static magnetic fields has been confirmed in a variety of other educational institutions and research institutions, and so published. Dr. Tom Skalak it at the University of Virginia has identified that static magnetic fields abate edema of when promptly placed on the injury site. In two separate studies at the Hungarian Academy of Science, Dr. Laszlo and his associates learned that the quadrapolar array produces the optimum configuration of static magnetic fields, and that the employment of these fields alters opioid receptor sites. This result is in fact, proof positive that the utilization of these quadrapolar arrays dramatically short-circuits the transmission of pain signals.

Magnetic therapy, in fact is the deployment of these fields in the proper alignment and placement to produce the efficacious result. In Vital Points on the QuadraBloc website, found at www.QuadraBloc.com, Gradient Medical describes the tried and true deployment regimen.

Proprietary to Gradient Medical is the use of electromagnetic fields in isolation, the TENS technology for the application of direct current to the point of affliction. The Company has demonstrated by the combination of the use of direct current from a TENS machine and the use of 4 QuadraBlocs in a two channel 4 electrode configuration, that local anesthesia can be achieved. Further, the use of this TENS machine can produce an iontophoresis application whereby drugs can be transported transcutaneously. In addition, the Company has discovered that, absent the direct current of an iontophoresis machine, QuadraBloc alone can produce a magnetophoresis result. Without the wires of electric current of QuadraBloc can achieve a significant percentage of the transdermal transport of a drug.

The use of QuadraBlocs for the management of pain, in conjunction with drug transport capability produces an entirely new and exciting dimension to the use of static magnetic fields for magnetic therapy.

Wrist pain associated with repetitive motion may be decreased with the QuadraBloc placed over the median nerve at the wrist. Pilot studies performed at an occupational medicine clinic and sponsored by major food corporation demonstrated not only improvements in symptoms as compared to a control group treated with him and I-inflammatory/analgesic, but an increase in productivity in the group treated with QuadraBloc as well. The QuadraBloc, fashioned as a magnetic brace like a fitment, was able to be worn safely in the work environment. At the conclusion of the study, all participants opted to continue wearing the QuadraBloc device.

Technorati Tags: healing magnet, Magnetic bracelets, magnetic therapy branch

Approximately 260,000 carpal tunnel release operations are performed each year in the United States for Carpal Tunnel treatment. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these patients are able to return to their previous jobs. In many of these instances, surgery does not solve the CTS problem. Although 15% of the US population complains of wrist pain, numbness, and tingling, only one person in five complaining of these complaints actually have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as is defined by strict medical diagnostic tests. Nonetheless, office workers including secretaries and typists who use their hands every day my repetitive motion encountered this problem with great regularity. In fact Carpal Tunnel Syndrome {CTS} or similar complaints account for the highest number of reported work related injuries.

By example, 50% of all food workers report CTS or similar complaints, such that the United States Department of Labor called CTS “the chief occupational hazard of the 90s”. Workers in slaughterhouses are especially prone to this problem. Workers in the automotive industry also share similar work related CTS complaints. The Gradient Medical QuadraBloc has been used in occupational pilot studies and thousands of observational studies to help resolve the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

In an aging population, the elderly often experience significant arthritic pain. Many times medications used to treat the pain associated with arthritis, over time, lead to extremely

serious, medication (pharmacological) related side effects. These medications may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease or failure, stroke, hypertension, and heart attack. Common symptoms or complaints of arthritis include restricted or painful joint movement, most notably hands, knees, and back. The companion area of the need may be the result from several different etiologies. The problem should be treated with QuadraBloc only after a thorough investigation by physician or for chronic problems for which there may be no good alternative. The common causes of knee discomfort include injury, inflammation, degenerative changes (bone loss), poor circulation birth defects and developmental defects; ankle pain is another source of discomfort, which may have several underlying causes including prior injury, ligament sprains, ankle laxity, ankle fractures, arthritis and osteoarthritis of the ankle joint and bursitis. Elbows are another source of considerable discomfort. Generally described as tennis elbow, tendinitis in the elbow, discomfort may also be a direct result of arthritis. The elbow video on www.QuadraBloc.com in the Vital Points segment describes the placement of QuadraBlocs about the elbow.

QuadraBloc is a simple, noninvasive means to the help those suffering from the aches and pains associated with repetitive motion injury, arthritis, tendinitis, and soft tissue injury.

Technorati Tags: alternative arthritis pain relief, alternative pain relief, Carpal Tunnel treatment

The Definition Of Natural Pain Relief-Natural pain relief refers to nutritional, herbal, acupuncture, and body electricity the components of which are intended to work synergistically to naturally realign and reactivate the pathways and systems of the body electromagnetically and biochemically. These modalities are intended to offer solutions to the problems of physical pain, and the non-optimal functioning of the human body. By merging the wisdom of ancient pharmacology with the biophysics of the 21st century, a variety of solutions which are synergistic to the body and use natural ingredients, are proposed.

A review of the over-the-counter sales of the above mentioned forms of therapy fails to produce evidence of the scientific basis for these results in a well documented protocol with a substantial sample size. What is truly missing in the literature is an explanation of the mechanism of action by which these various modalities produce the physical results.

Pain is defined to be a perception in the brain generated by the electrical and chemical signals started at the cellular level and transduced from the peripheral and central nervous systems and conducted to the brain. Webster’s new collegiate dictionary defines pain as “a distressing feeling due to disease, bodily injury, or organic disorder.”The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as “a discomfort associated with real or perceived tissue trauma.”

Research at Vanderbilt University over the last 15 years has validated the efficacy of the QuadraBloc magnetic field when properly applied directly on point of affliction by altering the charge of the sodium and calcium ions at the cell membrane so as to interrupt this electrochemical transduction of the action potential at the point of origin in the afflicted neuron. By returning this action potential to a state of latency this alteration of the electrochemical pain signal actually blockades the perception of pain in the brain. All of the research to date indicates that it is steep field gradient (the Z axis) of this three dimensional magnetic flux which alters the stimulation of the signal.

Recent Hungarian studies go beyond the research done at Vanderbilt on a Delta and c fiber conductivity to elucidate the impact of the steep field gradient on opioid receptors, further drawing the comparison between the use of magnetic fields and pharmacological solutions to this process of altering the perception of pain. The same Hungarian studies opined that the steep field gradient produced by the QuadraBloc’s quadrapolar array arranged in alternating polarity producing optimal static magnetic field for treating pain.

Regarding bracelets and jewelry, it is unclear as to how the use of different metallic substances produces a similar biological response, copper bracelet by example. The wrist, and specifically, the median nerve is a critical joint; it is the site of the source of the pain often referred to as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The commonality of this point with acupuncture is well known but not completely understood. This acupuncture point, P6, provides a location where nausea associated with chemotherapy can be controlled. By placing a QuadraBloc, directly over the P6 acupuncture point this sense of distress can be greatly moderated.

There’s no question about the benefits of a variety of homeopathy and alternative modalities for human health. Magnetic therapy certainly plays a role in the future of US healthcare. The entirety of the benefits of static magnetic fields and electric fields is yet to be fully understood.

Technorati Tags: magnetic healing bracelet, magnets for health, Natural pain relief

Magnetic therapy, magnetic therapy products and the concept of magnetic healing are not new ideas. The Gradient Medical LLC QuadraBloc website contains an overview of the history of magnetic treatment for pain.

The novelty of QuadraBloc is its unique, patented, geometric array of alternating magnetic polarity producing a very steep magnetic field gradient. The principal determinant of the efficacy in any device to be utilized in magnetic therapy is this steep field gradient. The specific magnetic field and steepness of the QuadraBloc gradient has been described using mathematical equations describing the three dimensional vector description in an X., Y., and Z axis. Seminal laboratory studies conducted at Vanderbilt University’s Department of Neurology in the division of Neuromagnetics, demonstrated over twenty years ago the importance of the projected steep field gradient in the blockade of primary afferent pain neuron transduction and transmission. As now has been independently determined, the alternating static magnetic field projected by the QuadraBloc is the most effective field; this unique field has consistently produced analgesia, pain reduction, in an animal pain model. The source or generator of this steep field gradient is in fact, the quadrapolar array. When the rare earth magnets utilized in QuadraBloc are arranged in this north-south-north-south configuration, the array produces the steepest magnetic field gradient produced with the minimal amount of magnetic material. It is QuadraBloc’s unique steep field gradient, as opposed to the magnitude, or strength of magnetic flux, which accomplishes the cessation of the firing in pain neurons and returns the membrane action potential to a resting, baseline state or latency. Further more, in the course of patent litigation with another magnetic therapy device manufacturer, Gradient Medical determined that the alternating quadrapole, the QuadraBloc, is unique in the property of our Company.

Gradient Medical feels the QuadraBloc device is not alternative medicine per se. QuadraBloc represents a traditional approach to treating the everyday aches and pains of daily living; producing cell membrane stabilization an effect or mechanism used in many current treatment options available today both by prescription, and over-the-counter. QuadraBloc actually blocks the pain signal in the pain cells where the pain originates. The QuadraBloc website contains scientific research papers which support the conclusion that the pain blocking mechanism from this patented device may provide aid to thousands of patients who enrolled previously in approved studies, and thousands of more patients worldwide over the last 15 years.

Technorati Tags: magnetic healing, Magnetic therapy, magnetic therapy products

If you have lower back pain, you’re not alone. Back pain is the second most common neurological/orthopedic ailment in United States. Only headaches are more common. Four out of every five Americans will be affected by low back pain in their lifetime. Current methods to diagnose and treat low back pain account for over $50 billion dollars per year in the United States alone.

In addition, one out of every three healthcare workers suffers low back pain as a direct result of patient care. As one can see, the world needs a treatment with no side effects, ease-of-use, and simple instructions for use in empowering the individuals to help themselves. Please take the time to review the Gradient Medical website www.QuadraBloc.com and learn how QuadraBloc may be a simple and highly effective alternative therapy for lower back pain.

Occupational medicine fails to take into consideration in the ergonomics of work function design, the tremendous stress, which is placed on joints, especially lower back, and the necessity for conditioning of the trunk muscles in the anatomy. In this world of diabetes, obesity, and television, the passive older population is certainly more prone to this family of disorders. Regular exercise, moderate diet, and first line treatments are absolutely essential to the well-being of the boomers, both mentally and physically. In this context, the QuadraBloc magnetic flux generator is an important first line treatment for the muscular skeletal aches and pains of everyday living. Self prevention and self treatment will become very common therapies in the evolving world of healthcare in the United States. QuadraBloc provides a low-cost, non-pharmacological, self-administered device, which when properly placed over the point of affliction provides a blockade to the transduction of pain signals from that site to the brain. Secondary benefits include the reduction of edema, which allows a faster healing of the inflammation occurring at the point of affliction. This reduction in edema is a major contributor to the return to wellness by the patient. Historically, a large number of physicians have prescribed Vioxx and Celebrex as pharmaceutical blockades for pain relief. These pharmacological modalities have significant negative side effects the most significant of which is G.I. bleed. A most attractive feature of QuadraBloc is that this device has a 50 year engineering half-life, and thusly is available for the use of the consumer in all practical terms for a lifetime. From a cost standpoint, the QuadraBloc is very attractive, as contrasted with long-term usage of Advil and Tylenol.

Technorati Tags: Lower back pain, lower back pain relief, new alternative back pain treatments

Chronic pain is epidemic. Chronic pain management is traditionally accomplished in the United States using invasive and non-invasive treatments and mountains of pills. Over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain related to disease, accidents, work related conditions, or acute entry. An additional 25 million Americans suffer from acute pain related to surgery. Chronic low back pain and headache are the two most common chronic pain conditions and account for the majority of missed days from work, in both the United States and abroad. In addition, chronic pain has a significant impact on the pain and suffering of the individual, their family, their friends, and the economy. Patients with chronic pain have difficulty finding doctors who can effectively treat their pain. Many current treatments are associated with extreme costs, time, and side effects.

Chronic back pain and specifically chronic low back pain can be either muscular or skeletal. Back, hip, leg discomforts are very common maladies. Disease or injury of the lone bull sacral portion of the spine, hip, are lower limbs causing pain and suffering and disability more frequently than disorders in any other part of the body. The most frequent cause of pain and disability are muscle and bone disease or dysfunction of lower back and lower limbs. The next most common problem is pain due to nerve damage or disease (neuropathic pain).

The majority of Americans, typically baby boomers, believes that pain is a part of getting older and would seek treatment, only when the pain became unbearable. Chronic back pain, especially chronic lower back pain is easily treated with Gradient Medical‘s QuadraBloc solution. Device placements can be found on the www.QuadraBloc.com website. The recommended and clinically proven configuration of 4 to 5 QuadraBloc devices, when properly placed in a diamond configuration, may promptly relieve a musculoskeletal malady. Gradient Medical recommends that if the pain persists the individual seek prompt healthcare professional evaluation and treatment.

Technorati Tags: chronic back pain, chronic low back pain, Chronic pain management

Oh my aching back! I need back pain relief! 80% of all Americans will suffer or will face a lower back problem some time in their life. Pain is actually a perception in the brain generated by an electrical signal at the cell membrane level where a pain neuron firing is transmitted through the peripheral and central nervous system to the brain.

Lower back pain can be muscular, skeletal, or neuropathic…caused by nerve injury or compression. Lower back pain costs a staggering $50 billion in the United States alone and is the second most frequent reason why individuals seek medical attention. We all need a simple and safe back pain solution. Back pain treatments tend to be complicated, time consuming and may have multiple, sometimes harmful, side effects. A simple and safe alternative back pain solution may be found by using the QuadraBloc. QuadraBloc is a patented magnetic device, which is low cost, safe, simple, non-invasive and provides the user with an option which can be simple and self-administered. Self empowering relief! QuadraBloc magnetic material has a half-life greater than 50 years when properly cared for.

The mode of action for QuadraBloc has been proven, in peer reviewed scientific studies, to be the steep field magnetic flux of the patented array, which stabilizes or repairs the damage to the pain neuron cell membrane. The flux stabilizes or blocks specific sodium and calcium channels, or pores, and stops leaking from the cells themselves. This is been demonstrated in studies in the laboratory with animals and humans. By blocking the generation and/or, the conduction of the abnormal pain fiber impulses through controlling these ion channels, QuadraBloc turns off the pain signal to the brain. When this pain signal is turned off the pain subsides, this same mechanism of action is used in many currently used pain medications including local anesthetics.

This self empowerment means that the individual can place the device over the point where it hurts and decrease the discomfort associated with acute and chronic pain, in the lower back, or any other location.

Mechanical lower back pain is the most prevalent cause of low back pain or discomfort and is associated with sprains and strains of lower back muscles and the supporting structures. If you or a loved one is looking for back pain relief, a simple back pain solution and a simple self empowering and effective low back pain treatment is the Gradient Medical’s QuadraBloc. The placement of these devices in the appropriate configuration is described on the website www.quadrabloc.com . With or without an undergarment/fitment as depicted on the QuadraBloc channel of You Tube, QuadraBloc has sufficient placement instructions for the person experiencing pain to self administer. Treatment; location, location, location are the three rules for application. Find the right spot and go to www.youtube.com search QUADRABLOC for specific instructions. There is relief for your aching back and instructions for use for many other common pain related applications.

Technorati Tags: Back pain relief, back pain solutions, back pain treatment