To highlight the efficacy and potential impact of electroceuticals as an alternative to high-strength pain medication, NuroKor researched to explore the perception and real-world impact of our KorOS, which incorporates three clinically proven technologies: Microcurrent Stimulation (MCS), Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) and Neuromuscular Stimulation (NMS) delivered in the hand-held NuroKor mitouch device and the smaller, ultra-wearable NuroKor mibody device. 

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions represent a global burden, affecting at least 1.71 billion people. According to research published in The BMJ, between 35-50% of the UK population are currently living with chronic pain at a cost to the economy of around £10bn.(1,2,3) The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded matters, with NHS England stating that waiting lists for surgery and care have increased by more than 20% with over 13,000 operations cancelled in two months.(3,4) 

This restricted access to clinical care and management strategies(5,6) has resulted in an inevitable toll on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of people living with pain. Further evidencing the scale of the issue, opioid-related deaths have doubled and codeine-related deaths have increased by 25% in the last year alone.(7,8)

As healthcare systems become increasingly over-stretched, many people are taking care and wellbeing into their own hands in the search for more holistic and non-medicinal options, such as at-home devices, apps and supplements.

NuroKor’s wearable technologies provide another option that supports self-managed, long-lasting pain relief at home, improving the quality of life for pain sufferers and reducing the burden on healthcare services.

In a two-part, retrospective report involving 127 NuroKor users, we reviewed the effect of KorOS technology on MSK pain in 1) working professionals with MSK conditions using the NuroKor mibody device and 2) customers with MSK conditions using the NuroKor mibody and/or mitouch devices. 

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The first survey focused on working professionals, in partnership with Microlink, exploring pain, quality of life and functional outcomes.(9) Three-quarters described their pain as continuous and/or radiating, and 62% experienced episodic pain. Half felt that the pain had a negative impact on their quality of life and/or ability to work, and 62% reported that the pain affected their hobbies/activities. Most participants currently or previously received treatment for pain, most commonly through exercise or via physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath, and 44% had taken pain-relief medication. 

Following use of the mibody device, the vast majority (87%) reported increased quality of life (QoL) and over 60% experienced an improvement in activity levels. Almost half (47%) found that they were able to partake in hobbies or activities they were previously unable to do and close to 80% improved their ability to work or do their job. Overall, NuroKor KorOS technology reduced pain intensity for 100% of participants, reducing the need for other pain medication in 60% of cases. 

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In our second survey, we asked 112 people to review their pain, and how it affected their daily activities, before and after using a NuroKor device. Results showed that:

• 86% reported pain relief for at least six hours, with some reporting sustained relief one week and even one month later
• 92% were able to carry out activities of daily living with little or no pain-related impediment 
• 83% vs 35% rated pain 5/10 or under before using a NuroKor device
• 91% experienced a significant reduction or total elimination of pain
• 91% reduced or eliminated the need for pain medication

Until now, there have been few well-evidenced alternatives for people living with chronic pain that do not require extended use of prescription medication. However, the case for electroceuticals is now incredibly strong and precision use of microcurrent presents a real viable, and crucially, highly-effective option. 

For good reason, electroceuticals are gaining increasing attention and popularity within the clinical community. For healthcare professionals, the devices provide an alternative, non-invasive treatment to traditional pain medication and pharmaceutical solutions, enabling patients to safely manage and support their condition at home, without side effects from pain medication. 

For people living with chronic pain, this includes high doses of strong, addictive prescription pain medication such as codeine or opiates, which rarely provide a long -term, sustainable solution. 

The results from our patient survey are compelling and strengthen the evidence for bioelectronics to manage long-term pain without strong painkillers, clearly demonstrating significant improvements in quality of life for those affected by these conditions. Against a backdrop of long waiting lists, growing numbers affected by long-term pain and health systems stretched beyond limit, NuroKor’s devices can provide new hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike. 

If you’re affected by chronic pain, or a healthcare professional interested in hearing more about NuroKor’s technologies, please get in touch!

Click to download and read the full whitepaper.

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References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10601677/
2. https://www.britishpainsociety.org/mediacentre/news/
3. https://ifs.org.uk/publications/15557
4. https://www.britishpainsociety.org/mediacentre/news/ british-pain-society-press-release-chronic-pain-costs-the-uk-billions-but-research-funding-is-inadequate/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366114/
6. https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/pressures/pressure-points-in-the-nhs
7. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/painkiller-deaths-double-amid-fears-of-opioid-crisis-s80rfcnsd
8. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/08/03/codeine-related-deaths-spike-almost-25-per-cent-last-year/
9. Data collected from 1 April 2021 to 31 May 2021 and devices used on average for seven weeks with a session lasting approx. 27.7 minutes.