WO2007141874A1

WO2007141874A1 - Sharp pain treatment device, high frequency treatment device

Info

Publication number: WO2007141874A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/311634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mitsuharu Nishi; Iwao Kishita
Original assignee: Medical Appliance Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2006-06-09
Publication date: 2007-12-13

Abstract

A sharp pain treatment device by which magnetic treatment effect can be enhanced by the action of an alternating magnetic field having a suitable frequency. The sharp pain treatment device for making an alternating magnetic field act on the affected part of a body to be treated comprises a means for generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave having a high frequency for treatment for making a high-frequency alternating magnetic field having a high frequency for treatment act on the affected part, characterized in that the high frequency for treatment is selected from a range of 50-140 MHz. With such an arrangement, the sharp pain treatment device can make a high frequency alternating magnetic field having a suitable frequency and exhibiting high magnetic treatment effect act on the affected part. With such a magnetic stimulus, exocytosis is induced by raising calcium ion concentration in the cells at the affected part and substances exhibiting pain-killing action can be discharged. Consequently, magnetic treatment effect such as pain-killing effect and blood circulation promotion effect can be enhanced by activating cellular tissue at the affected part furthermore.

Description

Specification

Pain treatment device, high frequency treatment device

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high frequency treatment apparatus for causing an alternating magnetic field to act on an affected area of a treatment subject, and more particularly to a pain treatment apparatus.

Background art

Hitherto, it has been known that magnetic treatment effects such as pain reduction and blood circulation promotion can be obtained by applying an alternating magnetic field to an affected part of a human body to give a stimulus. In order to obtain such a magnetic therapeutic effect, various magnetic therapeutic devices have been proposed which irradiate an alternating magnetic field generated by applying an alternating current to a coil etc. to the affected area. Among these, the high frequency treatment device is a device that generates high frequency electromagnetic waves and causes a high frequency alternating magnetic field to act on the treatment object. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a high frequency treatment device which applies a high frequency current of 13.56 MHz, 27, 12 MHz, etc. oscillated by a high frequency oscillator to a coil and radiates a high frequency electromagnetic wave of the frequency ( See, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9 84886

Disclosure of the invention

Problem that invention tries to solve

However, in the above-described conventional high frequency treatment apparatus, there are cases where a sufficient magnetic treatment effect can not be obtained due to the fact that the frequency of the alternating magnetic field acting on the affected area is not suitable. Therefore, there is a need for a pain treatment device as a high frequency treatment device capable of obtaining an excellent magnetic treatment effect by causing a high frequency alternating magnetic field having an effective frequency to act on the affected area.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to improve the magnetic treatment effect by applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field of a suitable frequency. To provide a new and improved pain treatment device and high frequency treatment device that can

Means to solve the problem Although the mechanism of the magnetic therapeutic effect has not been completely elucidated, the inventors of the present invention apply a high frequency alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency to a treatment subject (for example, a pain site (affected area) of a human body). In this way, the concentration of calcium ion (Ca ²⁺ ) in specific types of cells in the treatment subject is increased to induce an exocytosis reaction, which contributes to alleviation of pain and the like. It is thought that one of the main factors of the therapeutic effect on magnetism is the ability to promote the secretion of substances.

Therefore, the inventors of the present application pay attention to the evoked action of exocytosis associated with an increase in calcium ion concentration in the cell to which it is applied, and work hard on the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field to be applied to the treatment object. Experiments and studies were conducted. As a result, it has been found that a suitable frequency capable of further enhancing the magnetic therapeutic effect is about 83.3 MHz, and the present invention has been conceived as follows.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pain treatment apparatus for causing an alternating magnetic field to act on an affected area of a treatment subject. This pain treatment device is provided with high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating high frequency high frequency electromagnetic waves for treatment in order to cause high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic fields for treatment to act on the affected part, and the high frequency for treatment is 50 to 140 MHz. Range force is characterized by being selected.

[0009] With the strong configuration, the pain treatment device emits a high frequency high frequency electromagnetic wave for treatment by generating a high frequency high frequency electromagnetic wave for treatment suitable for magnetic treatment, thereby emitting a high frequency alternating magnetic field for the high frequency treatment. It can act on the affected area. Forced magnetic stimulation elevates intracellular calcium ion concentration in the affected area of the subject to induce exocytosis and release substances that exert analgesia (eg, nerve growth factor, 8 endorphin etc.) It can be done. Therefore, magnetic therapeutic effects such as analgesia and blood circulation promoting effects by the activity of the tissue of the treatment subject can be improved.

Further, by causing the above-mentioned high frequency alternating magnetic field of 50 to 140 MHz to act on the affected part of the treatment subject, for example, the increase degree of the calcium ion concentration in a predetermined cell is a predetermined rate or more (eg, 1. 2 times or more) The positive treatment rate can be increased to, for example, 30% or more, which can improve the magnetic therapy effect.

Thus, the pain treatment apparatus of the present invention is emitted from the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means. By acting a therapeutic high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic field on the affected area, the calcium ion concentration in cells in the affected area is increased to induce the exocytosis (neuron growth factor, β endorphin etc.) of the specified substance. Treatment equipment.

In addition, as the high frequency for treatment, a range power of 50 to 120 MHz may be selected. By this, a high frequency alternating magnetic field having a frequency of 50 to 120 MHz can be applied to the affected part of the treatment subject to make the positive rate, for example, 40% or more, so that the magnetic therapeutic effect can be further improved.

In addition, the therapeutic high frequency may be selected from the range of 55 to L lO MHz. As a result, a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 55 to: L 10 MHz can be applied to the affected part of the treatment subject to make the above-mentioned positive rate 50% or more, thereby further improving the magnetic therapy effect.

[0014] In addition, the therapeutic high frequency may be selected from the range power of 65 to: LOO MHz. As a result, the high-frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 65 to: LOO MHz can be applied to the affected part of the treatment subject to increase the above-mentioned positive rate to, for example, 70% or more, thereby further improving the magnetic therapy effect.

In addition, the therapeutic high frequency may be selected to be in the range of 75 to 95 MHz. Thus, a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 70 to 95 MHz can be applied to the affected area of the treatment subject to increase the positive rate to, for example, 90% or more, thereby further improving the magnetic therapy effect.

[0016] In addition, the therapeutic high frequency may be selected to be in the range of 83.3 ± 10% MHz. As a result, a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 83.3 ± 10% MHz can be applied to the affected area of the treatment subject to make the above-mentioned positive rate about 100%, thus further improving the magnetic therapy effect.

Further, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means is a high frequency oscillation means for outputting a high frequency current; and an antenna for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave of the high frequency for the treatment by applying the high frequency current from the high frequency oscillation means; May be provided. Thus, the high frequency high frequency electromagnetic wave for the treatment can be suitably generated, and the high frequency alternating magnetic field for the treatment can be appropriately applied to the affected area of the treatment object. Further, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means may intermittently generate the high frequency electromagnetic wave by repeating the on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave at a predetermined cycle. Good. Thus, the high frequency alternating magnetic field can be generated intermittently to act on the affected part of the treatment subject, and therefore, the state where the high frequency alternating magnetic field is applied to the affected part and the state where it is not applied are repeated. It can be switched. As a result, changes occur in the high frequency alternating magnetic field stimulation that acts on the affected area, and the magnetic treatment effect can be enhanced.

Further, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means repeats the first on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the first off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave in a cycle corresponding to 2.0 ± 10% kHz. Thus, high frequency electromagnetic waves may be generated intermittently. Furthermore, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means repeats the second on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the second off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave, repeating the cycle corresponding to 7. 8 ± 10% Hz. The electromagnetic waves may be generated intermittently. As a result, the high frequency alternating magnetic field can be intermittently generated at an appropriate time interval in which the cells of the affected area of the treatment subject react sensitively to act on the affected area.

[0020] Further, in order to cause the above-mentioned predetermined low frequency low frequency alternating magnetic field to act on the affected part, the low frequency low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating low frequency low frequency electromagnetic waves is provided. May be selected from the range of 2. 0. +-. 10% kHz. As a result, not only the high frequency alternating magnetic field but also a low frequency alternating magnetic field with a therapeutic low frequency suitable for magnetic treatment is applied to the affected area of the object to be treated. It can induce sexualization, analgesia and blood circulation. For example, it is possible to increase the amount of j8 endorphin secretion in the cells of the subject. As a result, the magnetic therapeutic effect such as the analgesic effect on the affected area of the treatment subject can be further improved.

In addition, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means may be a low frequency oscillation means for outputting a low frequency current; and the low frequency oscillation means may also be applied with the low frequency current to obtain the low frequency electromagnetic wave for the treatment. An antenna to be generated may be provided. As a result, the low frequency electromagnetic wave for the low frequency treatment can be suitably generated, and the low frequency alternating magnetic field for the low frequency treatment can be appropriately applied to the affected part of the treatment subject. Further, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means intermittently generates the low frequency electromagnetic wave by repeating an on period for generating the low frequency electromagnetic wave and an off period for not generating the low frequency electromagnetic wave at a predetermined cycle. You may As a result, the low frequency alternating magnetic field can be generated intermittently to act on the affected part of the treatment subject. Therefore, the state where the low frequency alternating magnetic field is applied to the affected part, and the state where it is not applied to the affected part. Can be switched. For this reason, a change occurs in the low frequency alternating magnetic field stimulation acting on the affected area, and the magnetic treatment effect can be enhanced.

Further, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means has a third ON period for generating a low frequency electromagnetic wave and a third OFF period for not generating a low frequency electromagnetic wave, corresponding to a period corresponding to 7. 8 ± 10% Hz. The low frequency electromagnetic waves may be generated intermittently by repeating the above. As a result, the low frequency alternating magnetic field can be intermittently generated at a suitable time interval in which the cells of the affected area of the treatment subject react sensitively to act on the affected area.

Further, the on period of the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the on period of the low frequency electromagnetic wave may be synchronized with each other. That is, the generation period of the intermittently generated high frequency electromagnetic wave and the generation period of the intermittently generated low frequency electromagnetic wave may be synchronized with each other. As a result, since the high frequency alternating magnetic field and the low frequency alternating magnetic field repeat the generation Z non-generation at the same timing, it is possible to clearly separate the time when the both alternating magnetic fields act on the affected part of the treatment object and when it does not act. . For this reason, a clear change occurs in the alternating magnetic field stimulation acting on the affected area, and the magnetic therapeutic effect can be enhanced.

The low frequency electromagnetic wave may be configured to be a substantially rectangular wave. Because the rise time and fall time of the low frequency electromagnetic wave waveform can be minimized by the force configuration, a low frequency alternating magnetic field whose magnetic field intensity changes rapidly can be applied to the treatment object. Furthermore, the low frequency electromagnetic wave may be a substantially rectangular wave having a binary value consisting of a predetermined value and a zero value. As a result, the magnetic treatment effect can be improved by causing a low frequency alternating magnetic field to periodically act on and off the magnetic field to act on the treatment subject.

Further, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means intermittently generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave for medical treatment by intermittently generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave having a frequency higher than 140 MHz with a period corresponding to the high frequency for medical treatment. You may make it This makes it possible to The therapeutic high frequency electromagnetic wave can be generated using a high frequency electromagnetic wave having a high frequency to which the cells do not react as a carrier wave.

[0027] Further, the therapeutic high frequency high frequency electromagnetic wave generated by the above high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means may include a harmonic generated when generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave of less than 50 MHz. In other words, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means generates high frequency electromagnetic waves in the range of 50 to 140 MHz as harmonics when generating the electromagnetic waves having a frequency of an integer fraction of the therapeutic high frequency (50 to 140 MHz). It may be an electromagnetic wave generator that can be generated incidentally.

[0028] In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a high frequency treatment apparatus for causing an alternating magnetic field to act on an affected area of a treatment subject. This high frequency treatment device includes high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating high frequency electromagnetic waves of the high frequency number for treatment, in order to apply high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic field for treatment to the affected part, and the high frequency number for treatment is 50 to 140 MHz. A range force is also selected.

Effect of the invention

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to relieve pain, promote blood circulation, etc. by acting on the affected part of the treatment subject a suitable high frequency therapeutic alternating magnetic field excellent in magnetic treatment effect. The magnetic therapeutic effect of

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pain treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of the pain treatment device according to the embodiment.

[FIG. 3] A block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the pain treatment device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing waveforms of a high frequency current and a low frequency current applied to a high frequency coil and a low frequency coil according to the embodiment.

[FIG. 5] An explanatory view showing a treatment mode using the pain treatment device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the experimental results of Experiment 1 focused on the example of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the experimental results of Experiment 2 focused on the example of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the experimental results of Experiment 3 focusing on the example of the present invention.

[FIG. 9] A perspective view showing the configuration of the oscillation coil used in Experiment 5 which is an example of the present invention. Ru.

圆 10] It is a graph showing the experimental result (astrocyte) of Experiment 5 focusing on the example of the present invention.

11] It is a graph which shows the experimental result (glia cell) of Experiment 5 which presses on the Example of this invention. Explanation of sign

10 Pain treatment device

12 housing

16 Display

18 Power supply unit

20 control block

21 Power supply circuit

22 Main control circuit

23 Clock generator

24 High frequency oscillation means

25 Low frequency oscillation means

30 high frequency coil

40 Low frequency coil

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a pain treatment device which is an example of the high frequency treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, based on FIG. 1, the external configuration of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pain treatment device 10 is, for example, a housing 12, an operation unit 14, and a display. And 16 are provided.

The housing 12 is a housing for housing the main devices of the pain treatment device 10 inside, and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin such as plastic. Although this housing 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (for example, length 8 cm x width 6 cm x height 2 cm or so) in the example of FIG. 1, it is not limited to the example of force. It can be changed into any shape such as a spherical shape, a substantially rod shape, a substantially cubic shape, and a shape easy to be grasped by the user. The user of the pain treatment device 10 holds the powerful housing 12 and brings the pain treatment device 10 directly into contact with the affected area or brings the affected area within a predetermined distance. The radiated electromagnetic waves (including alternating magnetic fields) can be applied to the affected area

The operation unit 14 is, for example, a switch or the like for turning on and off the operation (such as the irradiation operation of the alternating magnetic field) of the pain treatment device 10. For example, the user can switch the operation Z non-operation of the pain treatment device 10 each time the user depresses the operation unit 14.

Further, the display unit 16 is configured of, for example, a light emitting lamp such as an LED (light emitting diode). The display unit 16 can display the operation Z non-operation state of the pain treatment device 10, the remaining amount or charging state of a power source unit (not shown) described later, and the like. In this embodiment, the display unit 16 is composed of two LEDs, a red LED 16 a and a green LED 16 b. The red LED 16a lights up, for example, when the battery remaining amount of the power supply unit or the like is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and blinks if the battery level is lower than this level. In addition, the green LED 16b lights up or blinks when the pain treatment device 10 is operating, and goes out when the pain treating device 10 is not operating.

However, the display unit 16 is not limited to the pressing example, and for example, a force such as a liquid crystal display unit (such as an LCD) capable of displaying characters or figures may be configured. As a result, the display unit 16 displays the frequency or intensity of the electromagnetic wave (alternate magnetic field) emitted by the pain treatment device 10, the duration of the irradiation, the irradiation timing, the treatment schedule, the remaining amount of battery, time, or temperature And other information can be displayed.

Next, based on FIG. 2, an internal configuration of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a power supply unit 18, a control block 20, a high frequency coil 30, and a low frequency coil 40 are provided inside the housing 12 of the pain treatment apparatus 10. ing . Among them, the control block 20, the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 are installed, for example, on the same substrate 17, and can be collectively removed from the housing 12.

The power supply unit 18 is, for example, a direct current power supply device configured of various rechargeable batteries or dry batteries (for example, 9 V dry batteries etc.), and supplies power to each part in the pain treatment apparatus 10. be able to. In addition, the control block 20 is a circuit board on which, for example, a control device that controls each part in the treatment apparatus 10, a high frequency oscillation circuit that oscillates a high frequency, a clock generation circuit, and the like (not shown). However, the details will be described later.

The high frequency coil 30 is an example of an antenna (high frequency antenna) that radiates a high frequency electromagnetic wave when a high frequency current is applied. The high frequency coil 30 is, for example, a loop antenna constituted by a coil obtained by winding a relatively thick copper wire or the like eight times. Such a high frequency coil 30 is, for example, a high frequency electromagnetic wave (a high frequency alternating magnetic field and a high frequency alternating electric field) whose frequency is 50 to 140 MHz (for example, about 83.3 MHz) by applying a high frequency current from the control block 20. Can be emitted and emitted to the surroundings.

On the other hand, the low frequency coil 40 is an example of an antenna (a low frequency antenna) that radiates a low frequency electromagnetic wave when a low frequency current is applied. The low frequency coil 40 is, for example, a loop antenna composed of a relatively thin coil wound around a core of a copper wire or the like 500 times. The low frequency coil 40 is, for example, a low frequency electromagnetic wave (a low frequency alternating magnetic field and a low frequency alternating electric field) having a frequency of, for example, about 2.0 kHz when a low frequency current is applied from the control block 20. It can be generated and emitted around.

The high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 are installed, for example, such that both central axes are, for example, in substantially the same direction, and high frequency electromagnetic waves and low frequency electromagnetic waves generated by both are For example, irradiation is performed so as to diffuse approximately equally in the circumferential direction of the central axis. Therefore, even if any surface of the pain treatment device 10 contacts or approaches the affected area at any angle, there is a magnetic treatment effect. Therefore, treatment using the intense pain treatment device 10 is simplified. The antenna that radiates high frequency electromagnetic waves or low frequency electromagnetic waves is not limited to the example of the loop antenna such as the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 described above, and various antennas such as a rod antenna may be used. be able to.

Next, based on FIG. 3, the circuit configuration and operation of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment.

The control block 20 and the high frequency coil 30 described below are an example of a configuration of high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating high frequency electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 50 to 140 MHz. The control block 20 and the low frequency coil 40 are an example of a low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating a low frequency electromagnetic wave having a frequency of, for example, 2 kHz.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control block 20 includes, for example, a main control circuit 22, a power supply circuit 21, a clock generation circuit 23, a high frequency oscillation means 24, and a low frequency oscillation means 25.

The main control circuit 22 is constituted of, for example, a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and has a function of controlling each part in the control block 20.

The power supply circuit 21 includes, for example, an on Z-off control circuit 212, a booster circuit 214, and a step-down circuit 216. The power from the power supply unit 18 is supplied to each unit in the control block 20. It has a function to control feeding. Specifically, the on-Z-off control circuit 212 detects, for example, the on-z-off of the switch of the operation unit 14 and inputs the detection result to the main control circuit 22. Further, the on-z-off control circuit 212 turns on / off the power supply from the power supply unit 18 to the high-frequency coil 30 and the low-frequency coil 40 based on the on-z-off instruction of the main control circuit 22.

Further, the booster circuit 214 can boost the power from the equal power supply unit 18 which also has a dry cell power of, for example, 9 V, for example, as necessary. Thereby, the voltage supplied to the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 can be maintained at 9 V, for example. Further, the booster circuit 214 outputs an error signal of battery exhaustion to the main control circuit 22 when, for example, the voltage that it can output falls below a predetermined level due to battery exhaustion of the power supply unit 18 or the like. You can also As a result, when the main control circuit 22 receives the error signal, For example, control can be performed to switch the red LED 16a from lighting to blinking to notify the user of battery consumption.

In addition, the step-down circuit 216 can maintain the voltage supplied to the main control circuit 22 or the like at 5 V, for example, by stepping down the power supply of the power supply unit 18. Also, the step-down circuit 216 outputs a voltage drop error signal to the main control circuit 22 when the voltage that it can output falls below a predetermined level, for example, due to battery consumption of the power supply unit 18 or the like. You can also As a result, the main control circuit 22 controls to stop the operation of the entire pain treatment device 10 in order to prevent, for example, a trouble such as a sudden operation stop due to a voltage drop or the like. As a result, for example, since the green LED 16b that was on during the operation of the pain treatment device 10 is controlled to turn off, it is possible to notify the user that the operation of the pain treatment device 10 has stopped.

The clock generation circuit 23 generates, for example, a clock signal of a predetermined frequency and outputs the clock signal to the main control circuit 22. The clock generation circuit 23 is configured to be able to generate, for example, 32. 7 kHz and 10 MHz clock signals. The main control circuit 22 outputs the clock signal input from the clock generation circuit 23 to the low frequency oscillation means 254. The low frequency oscillation means 254 generates clock signals of, for example, 2. OkHz and 7.81 Hz based on the clock signal, and outputs them to the modulation circuit 246 and the coil drive circuit 256, respectively.

The high frequency oscillation means 24 generates a high frequency current of about 83.3 MHz, for example, and applies it to the high frequency coil 30. The high frequency oscillation means 24 has, for example, a frequency control circuit 242, a high frequency oscillation circuit 244, a modulation circuit 246, and a coil drive circuit 248.

The frequency control circuit 242 has a function of controlling the frequency of the high frequency generated by the high frequency oscillation circuit 244. Specifically, this frequency control circuit 242 is, for example, based on the frequency setting signal from the main control circuit 22 and the high frequency fed back from the high frequency oscillation circuit 244, the frequency of the high frequency output from the high frequency oscillation circuit 244. Control. As a result, the high frequency oscillation circuit 244 can stably oscillate a high frequency of 83.3 MHz, for example, and can output it to the modulation circuit 246. The high frequency may be either a high frequency current or a high frequency voltage as long as the signal can transmit a predetermined frequency. In addition, the 83.3 MHz high frequency output from the high frequency oscillation circuit 244 is, for example, a substantially sine wave signal. Ru.

[0057] The modulation circuit 246 performs, for example, on-Z-off processing of the 83.3 MHz high frequency input from the high frequency oscillation circuit 244 based on the clock signal input from the low frequency oscillation circuit 254, for example, in two steps. Output intermittently.

The first step of on-Z-off processing is, for example, processing of partially cutting the inputted 83.3 MHz high frequency based on the clock signal of O kHz and outputting it intermittently. Specifically, the modulation circuit 246 outputs a high frequency of 8 3.3 MHz as it is, for example, for a predetermined first on period (for example, 400 sec), and then, for example, 100 μm for a predetermined first off period. sec) repeats the process of outputting as a signal obtained by cutting the amplitude of the high frequency. As a result, the modulation circuit 246, for example, turns on and off the high frequency of 83.3 MHz input as a steady sine wave, for example, at a period equivalent to 2. OkHz, and intermittently cuts the high frequency of 83.3 MHz. It can be oscillated. In other words, the modulation circuit 246 can perform modulation processing to output a signal representing a substantially rectangular wave of 2.O kHz using, for example, the 83.3 MHz high frequency wave input from the high frequency oscillation circuit 244 as a carrier wave.

In the second stage of on-Z-off processing, for example, the high frequency subjected to the above-mentioned first-stage on-z-off processing is further partially cut based on a 7.81 Hz clock signal. It is processing to output intermittently. Specifically, for example, the modulation circuit 246 outputs the high frequency as it is for a predetermined second on period (for example, 64 msec), and then the amplitude of the high frequency for a predetermined second off period (for example, 64 msec) is output. Repeat processing to output as a cut signal. As a result, the modulation circuit 246, for example, turns on and off the high frequency of 83.3 MHz, which is intermittent at a period of 2. OkHz as described above, at a period of 7.81 Hz, and intermittent at a larger period. The high frequency can be intermittently oscillated. In other words, the modulation circuit 246 can output, for example, a signal representing a substantially rectangular wave of 7.81 Hz, with the high frequency of 83.3 MHz input with 244 power of the high frequency oscillation circuit as a carrier wave.

The high frequency subjected to the two-step on / off processing by the modulation circuit 246 as described above is input to the coil drive circuit 248. The coil drive circuit 248 amplifies the input high frequency with the power from the power supply circuit 21, and intermittently oscillates the high frequency current of 83.3 MHz at two cycles corresponding to 2.O kHz and 7.81 Hz. , Apply to the high frequency coil 30. On the other hand, the low frequency oscillation means 25 generates a low frequency current of about 2 kHz, for example, and applies it to the low frequency coil 40. The low frequency oscillation means 25 has, for example, a low frequency oscillation circuit 254 and a coil drive circuit 258.

As described above, the low frequency oscillation circuit 254 generates clock signals of, for example, 2. O kHz and 7. 81 Hz based on the clock signal input from the main control circuit 22, and the modulation circuit 246 and the coil drive are generated. Output to circuit 256 respectively. Also, the low frequency oscillation circuit 254 generates, for example, a low frequency of 2. kHz at a low frequency as the substantially rectangular wave based on the clock signal. On Z-off processing (every 64 msec) with a period of, to generate a low frequency of 2 kHz intermittent with a period equivalent to about 7.81 Hz. Specifically, for example, the low frequency oscillation circuit 254 outputs the low frequency as it is for a predetermined third on period (for example, 64 msec), and then for a predetermined third off period (for example, 64 msec) The process of outputting the low frequency amplitude signal as a cut signal is repeated. As a result, the low frequency oscillation circuit 254 can intermittently oscillate, for example, by turning on and off the low frequency of 2.O kHz with a period corresponding to 7.81 Hz. A circuit corresponding to the frequency control circuit 242 and the modulation circuit 246 may be provided before and after the low frequency oscillation circuit 254.

The coil drive circuit 258 amplifies the low frequency input from the low frequency oscillation circuit 254 with the power from the power supply circuit 21, and the high frequency current at a frequency of 2.O kHz corresponds to 7.81 Hz. It oscillates intermittently in a cycle and is applied to the high frequency coil 30.

Here, based on FIG. 4, the waveforms of the high frequency current and the low frequency current applied to the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing waveforms of the high frequency current and the low frequency current applied to the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), a high frequency current with a frequency of about 83.3 MHz is applied to the high frequency coil 30, for example. The high-frequency current has, for example, an amplitude of 30 mA, and is a nearly sinusoidal wave symmetrical about 0 A.

Further, this high frequency current is not a continuous wave, for example, but is a continuous wave which is periodically turned on and off. In detail, the high frequency current has a waveform in which a first on period (1) of, for example, 400 seconds and a first off period (2) of, for example, 100 seconds are alternately repeated. For example, it is intermittent at a cycle corresponding to about 2.0 kHz. Furthermore, such a high-frequency current has a waveform that alternately repeats, for example, the second on period (3) of 64 msec and the second off period (4) of 64 msec, for example, on a larger time scale. It is intermittent even at a cycle corresponding to about 7.81 Hz. Also, since this high-frequency current is high-frequency, for example, about 83.3 MHz, its rise and fall times are very small, for example, less than or equal to 0.003 sec.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), for example, a low frequency current with a frequency of about 2.O kHz is applied to the low frequency coil 40. This low frequency current is, for example, a rectangular wave (square wave) that alternates two values of 17 A or OA with a period of about 2. OkHz. The period (5) in which the low frequency current is 17 A is, for example, 400 sec, and the period (6) in which the OA is OA is, for example, 100 sec. Also, this approximately rectangular wave is adjusted so that its rise time is less than 0 .: see and its fall time is, for example, less than 1.0 sec.

Also, this low frequency current is not, for example, a continuous wave, but an intermittent wave that is periodically turned on and off at, for example, about 7.81 Hz. In detail, the low frequency current has a waveform in which, for example, a third on period (6) of 64 msec and a third off period (8) of 64 msec, for example, are alternately repeated. It is intermittent at a cycle corresponding to

Furthermore, comparing FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 4 (b), the timing when the high frequency current is turned on and off in a cycle of 7. 81 Hz and the low frequency current is turned on in a cycle of 7. 81 Hz. Is synchronized with the timing of More specifically, the high-frequency current and the low-frequency current are both intermittent at a cycle corresponding to 7. 8 Hz (specifically, for example, repeating on-z off at a cycle of 128 msec). The second on period (3) (or the second off period (4)) of the high frequency current and the third on period (7) (or the third off period (8)) of the low frequency current are approximately the same. The application timings of the high-frequency current and the low-frequency current are adjusted to achieve the same timing.

After that, a period (1) (a period during which the high frequency current is applied to the high frequency coil 30) (a period during which the high frequency current is applied) and a period (5) during which the low frequency current is 17 A, for example The period in which the current flows in the coil 40) is synchronized. More specifically, while the high-frequency current is low at 2. OkHz (specifically, for example, it is repeatedly turned on and off at a cycle of 500 sec), The low frequency current is 2. alternate between 17 A or OA at OkHz. In this case, the first on period (1) of the high frequency current and the period (5) in which the low frequency current is 17; ζ A coincide with each other, and the first off period of the high frequency current (2 ) And the period (6) when the low frequency current becomes OA coincide. Thus, the application timings of the high frequency current and the low frequency current are synchronized so that the period in which the high frequency current actually flows in the high frequency coil 30 and the period in which the low frequency current actually flows in the low frequency coil 40 are synchronized. Has been adjusted.

By applying a high frequency current as described above at, for example, 9 V, the high frequency coil 30 emits, for example, a high frequency electromagnetic wave having substantially the same waveform as the high frequency current as shown in FIG. 4 (a). It can be emitted and emitted around. This high frequency electromagnetic wave is, for example, a substantially sinusoidal high frequency wave with a frequency of about 83.3 MHz, and is intermittently intermittent with a period corresponding to about 2.0 kHz and about 7.81 Hz. By irradiation of such high frequency electromagnetic waves, for example, a high frequency alternating magnetic field having a high frequency for treatment of, for example, 83.3 MHz can be intermittently generated around the pain treatment device 10.

More specifically, the high frequency alternating magnetic field periodically increases or decreases at about 83.3 MHz, for example, with a maximum magnetic field strength of about 784 nT, and periodically at about 83.3 MHz in both positive and negative directions of the magnetic field. It is an alternating magnetic field that fluctuates to, for example, intermittently generated at a cycle equivalent to about 2. OkHz and about 7.81 Hz.

By generating the intermittent high frequency alternating magnetic field in this way, the pain treatment device 10 is, for example, about 83.3 MHz, which is a high frequency for treatment with respect to the treatment subject (the affected part of the human body, etc.). Not only high frequency alternating magnetic fields but also low frequency alternating magnetic fields of about 2. OkHz and about 7. 81 Hz with this high frequency alternating magnetic field as a carrier can be applied simultaneously.

Further, by applying the low frequency current as described above at, for example, 9 V, the low frequency coil 40 has, for example, a waveform substantially the same as the low frequency current as shown in FIG. 4 (b). It can generate low-frequency electromagnetic waves and radiate them around. This low frequency electromagnetic wave is, for example, a low frequency substantially rectangular wave with a frequency of about 2. OkHz, and is intermittently intermittent at about 7.81 Hz. Due to the intense low frequency electromagnetic wave irradiation, for example, a low frequency alternating magnetic field having a low frequency for treatment of, for example, about 2. OkHz can be intermittently generated around the pain treatment device 10. More specifically, the low frequency alternating magnetic field is, for example, a magnetic field whose intensity is approximately constant at about 736 nT and whose magnetic field direction is fixed only in the positive direction, for example, with a period of 2.0 kHz. It is an alternating magnetic field generated by turning Z off (for example, alternately turning on an on period of 400 μsec and an off period of 100 μsec), and overall it has a period of about 7. 81 Hz. It is generated intermittently.

By generating the intermittent low frequency alternating magnetic field in this way, the pain treatment device 10 is, for example, only the low frequency alternating magnetic field of about 2.0 kHz, which is the low frequency for treatment, for the object to be treated. Alternatively, the low frequency alternating magnetic field of approximately 7. 8 Hz, which uses this low frequency alternating magnetic field as a carrier wave, can also be irradiated simultaneously.

Further, by simultaneously applying the high frequency current and the low frequency current to the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 in parallel, it is possible to generate the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the low frequency electromagnetic wave simultaneously. Can. As a result, for example, a high frequency alternating magnetic field and a low frequency alternating magnetic field can be simultaneously generated around the pain treatment device 10. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4 above, for example, the intermittent timing of the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the low frequency electromagnetic wave at 7.81 Hz are synchronized with each other, and the intermittent timing of the high frequency electromagnetic wave at 2.0 kHz is used. And the magnetic field generation timing at 2.0 kHz by low frequency electromagnetic waves is synchronized.

Thus, the generation timing of the high frequency alternating magnetic field due to the high frequency electromagnetic wave irradiation and the generation timing of the magnetic field due to the low frequency electromagnetic wave irradiation can be synchronized. That is, when the high frequency coil 30 generates a high frequency alternating magnetic field, the low frequency coil 40 also generates a magnetic field of a predetermined strength, while when the high frequency coil 30 does not generate a high frequency alternating magnetic field, the low frequency coil 40 also It is possible not to generate a predetermined level of magnetic field. Therefore, as a whole, the pain treatment device 10 periodically repeats the generation of the magnetic field (the high frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the high frequency coil 30 and the predetermined level of the magnetic field generated by the low frequency coil 40). be able to.

Although the generation of the alternating magnetic field has been described above, the high frequency alternating electric field and the low frequency alternating electric field are also generated by the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave. Since the generation mode of these alternating electric fields is, for example, substantially the same as the generation mode of the above-mentioned alternating magnetic field, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the above example, a high frequency electromagnetic wave of 83.3 MHz is generated as the high frequency for treatment. The low frequency for medical treatment 2. An example of generating an OkHz low frequency electromagnetic wave The frequency to generate power is not limited to this example. The magnetic therapeutic device 20, which has the same configuration as that described above, can generate a high frequency electromagnetic wave in the range of 50 to 140 MHz as a high frequency for treatment, and 2 kHz as a low frequency for treatment. It is possible to generate low frequency electromagnetic waves in the range of ± 10%.

Next, a treatment mode by the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment and its action and effect will be described based on FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a treatment mode using the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a), in the case of treating an affected part (a treatment subject) such as a pain site of a human body using the pain treating device 10, for example, a pain treatment in which the power is turned on and operated. The vessel 10 only needs to be brought into contact with the affected area either directly or indirectly via clothes or the like. As a result, the pain treatment device 10 can cause the alternating magnetic field (high frequency alternating magnetic field and low frequency alternating magnetic field) generated as described above to act on the affected part. At this time, the alternating magnetic field acts not only on the surface of the affected area (skin, etc.) but also on the inside of the affected area (muscle, blood vessels, bone, etc.).

In addition, for example, the pain treatment device 10 does not have to be in contact with the affected area, and as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the above alternating magnetic field can be obtained by merely approaching the affected area within a predetermined distance. The world can act on the affected area. That is, the pain treatment device 10 can be used as a non-contact type magnetic treatment device that can be treated even on clothes, etc., unlike, for example, an electrode-attached type magnetic treatment device or the like. However, since the intensity of the alternating magnetic field generated by the pain treatment device 10 decreases as it separates from the pain treatment device 10, if the pain treatment device 10 and the affected area are excessively separated, the magnetic treatment effect will be weakened. The pain treatment device 10, which is a feature of the present embodiment, is configured to be able to cause an alternating magnetic field having a magnetic field strength of 30 nT or more to act on the affected area, for example, if it approaches 30 cm within the affected area. ! .

In this way, analgesia that alleviates or eliminates, for example, chronic pain (arthritic pain, neuropathic pain, etc.) or acute pain (beats, etc.) in the affected area by causing the above alternating magnetic field to act on the affected area. It can exert magnetic therapeutic effects such as the effect and blood circulation promoting effect.

About the mechanism by which the irradiation stimulation of the strong alternating magnetic field brings about such an analgesic effect, Although it is not clear, one of the factors is, for example, the irradiation stimulation of the alternating magnetic field affects the magnetic energy process of the living body, and the charge transfer of the skin, blood, and nervous system cell membrane causes one atomic molecule by eddy magnetic current. It is conceivable to bring about an activity. In particular, the pain treatment device 10 is, for example, calcium ions (to the cell membrane in the affected area) by the irradiation stimulation of the above alternating magnetic field.

Ca ²⁺ ) Permeability can be enhanced to promote regeneration 'repair function.

Specifically, for example, since the intracellular calcium ion concentration is increased by the action of the above-mentioned alternating magnetic field, exocytosis (opening release) is induced, for example, an analgesic nerve nerve peptide j8— Substances such as endorphin, adrenalin and nerve growth factor (NGF) are released from specific intracellular vesicles out of the cells. As a result, it is considered that, for example, in the injured peripheral nerve, these substances exert analgesia and promote regeneration of tissue and repair function.

The exocytosis system will be described more specifically. Hexacytosis is a process in which cytoplasmic vesicles fuse with the cell membrane and release their contents, and the vesicle membrane is transiently or permanently incorporated into the cell membrane. Specifically, neurotransmitters such as j8-endorphin, adrenaline and nerve growth factor (NGF) are stored in synaptic vesicles in cells such as glial cells. Stimulation of secretion in cells causes the synapse vesicle membrane and the cell membrane to bind and fuse, and in the next step, exocytosis, in which a neurotransmitter is released from the synaptic vesicle from the cell, occurs. The details of the biochemical reaction leading to this exocytosis have not been fully elucidated yet. The potent exocytosis has been found to be a calcium-dependent reaction, and when the calcium ion concentration in the cytoplasm, particularly in the region immediately below the cell membrane where the synaptic vesicles are present, is sufficient, the exocytosis is It is induced.

Here, the mechanism of the analgesic effect of the magnetic treatment using the exocytosis is described in detail.

(1) In the case of chronic pain

In chronic pain, the affected nerve cells are damaged and cause hypersensitivity, which is considered to be a condition. At this time, when magnetic stimulation is applied to the affected area, glial cells in nerves are excited and calcium ion concentration in glial cells increases. Thus, the glial cells are Tosis (open-cell release) occurs. Glial nerves and the like have the trophic factor nerve growth factor (NGF) in their cells, and when exocytosis occurs, they release this nerve growth factor extracellularly. The released nerve growth factor acts on surrounding nerve cells to promote the growth of the nerve cells. As a result, damaged and hypersensitive neurons are repaired, and the hypersensitivity of the neurons is alleviated, so that chronic pain is considered to be alleviated.

(2) In the case of acute pain

Acute pain is caused, for example, by the occurrence of acute inflammation in the affected area. When magnetic stimulation is applied to the affected area, β-endorphin-containing cells (eg, ΝΚ cells) around the inflammation site are stimulated, and the exocytosis is released to the outside of the j8 endorphin present in the cells. Since this | 8 endorphin has a strong analgesic action, it is thought that the j8 endorphin acts on the site of inflammation to reduce pain at the site of inflammation.

As described above, by giving a suitable magnetic stimulus to the affected area, the intracellular calcium ion concentration can be increased to induce the exocytosis, and an excellent analgesic effect can be produced. it is conceivable that.

From this point of view, the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment has, for example, a high frequency alternating magnetic field of around 83.3 MHz and a low frequency of approximately 2.O kHz as an alternating magnetic field capable of giving a suitable magnetic stimulation. A frequency alternating magnetic field can be emitted to act on the affected area. Irradiation stimulation of this high frequency alternating magnetic field around 83 MHz, for example, increases the permeability of calcium ion (Ca ²⁺ ) and oxygen (O 2) to the cell membrane compared with other frequency bands! ], Fine

2

It is thought that the effect of raising the calcium ion concentration in the alveolar cell and inducing the above exocytosis is high. Also, 2. The irradiation stimulus of the low frequency alternating magnetic field at O MHz is considered to have the function of releasing β-endorphin etc. from cells, for example.

According to the experimental results described later, the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field to be applied to the affected area is optimum at about 83.3 MHz in terms of the magnetic treatment effect, but at frequencies around this 83.3 MHz. Even if they are present, they are known to sufficiently contribute to the increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration. The frequency range of this preferred high frequency alternating magnetic field is 50 to 140 MHz, preferably 50 to 120 MHz, more preferably 55 to: L 10 MHz, more preferably 65 to 100 MHz, still more preferably 70 to 95 MHz, further preferably Preferably, the range of 83. 3 ± 10% MHz It is Of the above-mentioned ones, as the latter range, the calcium ion concentration in many cells can be increased more, it can be said that the magnetic therapeutic effect is high.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 can change the magnetic field action by intermittently acting an alternating magnetic field on the affected area. As a result, the tissue (such as cells) in the affected area becomes accustomed to the alternating magnetic field and the magnetic therapeutic effect does not fade. Furthermore, since the generation timing of the high frequency alternating magnetic field is synchronized with the generation timing of the low frequency alternating magnetic field, the entire magnetic field to which the pain treatment device 10 acts is sharp. As a result, the presence or absence of magnetic stimulation to the affected area can be made clearer, and the magnetic treatment effect can be improved.

Furthermore, the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment has a rise time and a fall time of the generated high frequency electromagnetic wave which is very small, for example, less than or equal to 0.0003 sec. The rise time of the low frequency electromagnetic wave, which is a rectangular wave, is 0.1 sec or less, and the fall time is adjusted, for example, 1.0 sec or less. For this reason, at the time of the change of the alternating magnetic field as described above, the change speed of the action Z non-action of the magnetic field is fast. Therefore, the tissue in the affected area responds sensitively to the changes in the magnetic field, which enhances the magnetic therapeutic effect.

As described above, the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment acts on an alternating magnetic field of a frequency suitable for inducing, for example, activation of the tissue of the affected area, promotion of analgesia and the like. The effect of alternating magnetic field can be switched in a manner suitable for the affected area. Therefore, the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment has a very high magnetic treatment effect such as an analgesic effect as compared with the conventional magnetic treatment device.

In addition to the above-mentioned analgesic effect, for example, the pain treatment device 10 exerts actions such as promoting blood circulation in the affected area by irradiation of the above alternating magnetic field to reduce and prevent shoulder stiffness, back pain and the like. I'm sorry.

In addition to being easy to operate and relatively small and easy to carry, the pain treatment device 10 is easy and short (for example, 10 minutes) simply by contacting or approaching the affected area as described above. Can produce magnetic therapeutic effects.

In addition, other methods for increasing the intracellular calcium ion concentration include administration of a drug to a treatment subject, current stimulation, and the like. However, if drug administration has side effects There is also the problem that current stimulation has a large impact on surrounding cells and tissues and is difficult to implement. On the other hand, in the pain treatment device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the calcium ion concentration in cells is increased by magnetic stimulation of irradiating an alternating magnetic field, there is no side effect, and surrounding cells, There is a 組織 IJ point that the impact on the organization is small.

Example

Next, the results of a treatment experiment using the pain treatment device 10 according to the above embodiment will be described. As described above, this pain treatment device 10 can emit a high frequency alternating magnetic field (eg 83.3 MHz) and a low frequency alternating magnetic field (eg 2. OkHz) to act on the treatment subject. The following example is intended to experimentally verify the magnetic treatment effect of the pain treatment device 10 according to the above embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the following example.

[0101] <Experiment 1>

First, Experiment 1 will be described, which examines the analgesic effect of magnetic treatment using a pain treatment device 10 on thermal hyperalgesia after sciatic nerve ligation surgery (CCI: Chronic Constriction Injury).

First, the pain evaluation method of the present experiment will be described. In this pain assessment method, the sciatic nerve of one hind leg of the experimental rat is lightly ligated at 5 points with a surgical thread (CCI operation). As a result, the treated hindlimb becomes hypersensitive to heat, so the result of planter test (PWL: Water withdrawal latency time (second) response latency to heat stimulation to the hindlimb subcutaneous) becomes short. . In other words, although the time to reach heat when irradiated with light is long for those who do not receive surgery, the time for them to experience heat when exposed to light due to thermal hypersensitivity. Becomes shorter. The difference between the time it takes for the treated hind limb to feel the heat and the time it takes for the untreated hind limb to feel the heat is regarded as the size of the pain. The larger the time difference (the shorter the time it takes for the treated foot to feel the heat), the greater the pain. The intensive evaluation method is called the “Bennet method”, which is a pain evaluation method that has been approved by the Pain Society worldwide.

Next, the experimental conditions of this experiment will be described. In this experiment, male SD la A tow (300 to 350 g) was used. The rats underwent surgery to ligate the sciatic nerve of the left hind leg under halothane (2-3%) Z-oxygen anesthesia to create a CCI model. Planters were tested from 5 days to 10 days after surgery, and the time difference between the left and right hindlimb responses was evaluated. For the treatment group, from the 6th day after the operation, the above-mentioned high frequency alternating magnetic field and low frequency alternating magnetic field are irradiated to the left dorsal thigh for 10 minutes using the pain treatment device 10 (1 Z day irradiation, Treatment was given twice Z-day) and compared with untreated group.

The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. Figure 6 shows the transition of the difference between the response time of the right hind limb without CCI and the response time of the left hind limb subjected to CCI (PWL difference) in the treatment group and the non-treatment group. It is a graph shown separately.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6, in the non-treatment group, the left-right difference in PWL is -3 seconds on day 5, day 2 on day 5.

-On the 10th day with 4.5 seconds, it became 4.8 seconds, and the left-right difference increased as the day passed. This means that the response latency was gradually extended in the CCI side hindlimb, that is, the analgesia in the CCI side gradually worsened.

[0106] On the other hand, in the treatment group, the right-and-left difference of PWL is the seventh day in the case of one Z-day irradiation.

-3. 3 seconds, 8 days 2. 9 seconds, 10 days 2. 3 seconds, the left-right difference gradually decreases with the passing of the day, and in the case of the second Z day irradiation, the 7th day In-2. 9 seconds, 8th day-2. 6 seconds, 10th day-2. 0 seconds, left-right difference decreased significantly. According to these experimental results, it can be said that in the treatment group, prolongation of the response latency was suppressed in the hind limb of the CCI side, and hyperalgesia was improved compared to the non-treatment group. Furthermore, it can be said that hyperalgesia was further improved as the number of irradiations by the pain treatment device 10 increased.

Next, another experiment 2 will be described, which verifies the effect of magnetic therapy with the pain treatment device 10 on thermal hyperalgesia after rat sciatic nerve ligation similar to the experiment 1 above.

In Experiment 2, the rats are classified into the following five groups (a) to (e), and the planter test is performed from 3 days to 14 days after the operation, and the left and right hind limbs react Time difference (right and left difference) was evaluated. Among these, (c) Magnetic therapy group, (d) Anti-NGF antibody administration group, and (e) NGF enhancer administration group From the fifth day after surgery, using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 Irradiate the left dorsal thigh with a magnetic field and a low frequency alternating magnetic field for 10 minutes for magnetic treatment and no treatment Compared to the group. The description of the five sample groups is as follows.

(A) Sham operation (Sham) group:

This sham operation group is a group that performs the same incision and suturing as the above CCI treatment but does not ligate the sciatic nerve, and is a control group whose purpose is to eliminate the effects of the above CCI treatment incision and suturing. . In this sham-operated group, since there is no heat sensitivity, there is almost no difference in time until pain is felt between the left and right hind limbs.

(B) Non-treatment group:

This non-treatment group is a group that performs the CCI treatment but does not perform magnetic treatment using the pain treatment device 10. In this non-treatment group, the CCI-side hindlimbs become heat-sensitive, so the degree of pain is greatest and the response latency is longest.

(C) Magnetic treatment group:

The magnetic treatment group is a group that performs the CCI treatment and performs magnetic treatment using the pain treatment device 10. This magnetic therapy group is a group that represents the analgesic effect of the magnetic therapy, as it is treated daily after the CCI treatment.

(D) Anti-NGF antibody administration group:

The anti-NGF antibody administration group is an administration group to which an anti-NGF antibody is administered after the above-mentioned CCI administration, and to which a magnetic treatment using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 is further given. Anti-NGF antibodies are substances that bind to NGF (nerve growth factor) and eliminate physiological activity. Therefore, in the anti-NGF antibody administration group, even if the excitocytosis is caused by the magnetic treatment using the pain treatment device 10 and the NGF is released in the body, the anti-NGF antibody is present in the body. NGF does not work. If anything other than NGF is a factor in the analgesic effect, this anti-NGF antibody-administered group should have the same experimental results as the above magnetic therapy group. Therefore, if the response latency of this anti-NGF antibody administration group is longer than the response latency of the above magnetic therapy group, it proves that NGF is involved in analgesia.

(E) NGF enhancer administration group:

This NGF enhancer administration group is a group to which 4-Methyl Cathecol is administered after the above-described CCI administration, and magnetic treatment is further performed using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10. 4-Methyl Cathe col is a substance that enhances the formation of NGF. Thus, NGF-producing cells such as glial cells As the amount of NGF produced increases in the cells, the amount of NGF released by magnetic stimulation also increases. If anything other than NGF is a factor in the analgesic effect, this NGF enhancer group should have the same experimental results as the above magnetic treatment group. Therefore, if the response latency of this NGF enhancer group is shorter than that of the magnetic therapy group, it proves that NGF is involved in pain relief.

The results of experiments using the five sample groups as described above are shown in FIG. Fig. 7 shows the change in the difference in response time (left-right difference in PWL) of the left hind limb with CCI to the response time of the right hind limb with CCI divided into the above five groups. Is a graph showing

As shown in FIG. 7, (a) in the sham operation group, the lateral difference of PWL is approximately zero seconds, and it can be seen that there is almost no influence of the incision and suture of the CCI treatment.

[0116] Also, (b) in the non-treatment group, although there is a slight increase or decrease in the difference in PWL between left and right, the difference between left and right increases over the day. This means that the response latency was gradually extended in the CCI side hindlimb, that is, the hypersensitivity in the CCI side hindlimb gradually worsened.

[0117] On the other hand, in the (c) magnetic therapy group, the lateral difference in PWL gradually decreases with the passage of days after the fifth day of magnetic therapy. As a result, in the magnetic treatment group, prolongation of the response latency was suppressed in the hind limb on the CCI side, and it can be said that hyperalgesia was improved compared to the non-treatment group.

Also, (d) in the anti-NGF antibody-administered group, the lateral difference in PWL is prolonged (increased) after becoming almost constant after the 5th day of magnetic treatment, and the above-mentioned magnetic therapy group It is longer than it is. Therefore, it is demonstrated that NGF is involved in analgesia and that magnetic treatment using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 causes exocytosis in the cells of the above-mentioned rat, and that NGF is released to be V. .

Furthermore, (e) in the NGF enhancer-administered group, the lateral difference in PWL gradually decreases with the passage of days after the magnetic treatment on the fifth day, and is shorter than the above-mentioned magnetic therapy group. It is being done. Therefore, this also indicates that NGF is involved in analgesia, and magnetic treatment with the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 causes exocytosis in the cells of the above-mentioned rat and releases NGF. That's proved!

Experiment 3 Next, we will describe an experiment to verify the effect of magnetic field therapy with pain treatment device 10 on formalin-induced inflammatory pain.

First, the experimental conditions of Experiment 3 will be described. Male SD rats (300 to 350 g) were used as subjects to be treated. The rat is flinching (flinchi ng; behavior of shaking the hind limb due to pain) after subcutaneous injection of formalin to the hind limb under hypoxemia with halothane (2 to 3%) / oxygen (inhaled by mask). The number of times was measured in minutes over 60 minutes. For the treatment group, magnetic treatment is performed for 10 minutes by irradiating a high frequency alternating magnetic field and a low frequency alternating magnetic field using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 to the hind limbs before or after injection of fulmarin, and no treatment is given. Compared to the group. This is called the formalin test and is a pain assessment method that has been approved by the Pain Society worldwide.

The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of measurement of the number of flingings in minutes over a 60-minute period after injection of fluoromarine for each treatment group (pre-infusion or post-infusion treatment) and non-treatment group.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 7, in the non-treatment group, the flinching frequency becomes the first peak at 10 minutes Z minutes at 1 minute after injection of fallmarine, and then 15 to 17 times Z minutes (30 to 10 hours after injection The reaction which becomes the 2nd peak 50 minutes was seen.

On the other hand, in the treatment group, the overall trend of the flinching frequency was almost the same as in the non-treatment group. However, the number of flinchings per minute is less than 1 to 3 times per minute if treated after injection and 1 to 9 times per minute if treated prior to injection compared to the non-treatment group. . Therefore, in the treatment group, it can be said that the total pain induced inflammatory pain was improved compared to the non-treatment group, and furthermore, the treatment before the total water injection was more improved.

From the results of Experiments 1 to 3 as described above, it can be said that the analgesic effect of alternating magnetic field stimulation on the affected area using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 has been demonstrated for hyperalgesia and holmarin-induced inflammatory pain.

Next, an experiment to examine the relationship between the high frequency for therapeutic treatment of the high frequency alternating magnetic field acting on the cells of the treatment subject and the increase in the calcium ion concentration in the cells. Explain.

[0127] In this experiment 4, after applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field of different frequencies to the cerebral cortex cells and hippocampus cells of primary cultures, the calcium ion (Ca ²⁺ ) concentration in these cells was measured. did. As the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field, experiments were conducted at three frequencies of 83.3 MHz (the embodiment of the present invention), 35.0 MHz (the comparative example), and 250 MHz (the comparative example). When the rate of increase in calcium ion concentration measured in this way was 1.2 or more, the calcium reaction was judged as positive, and when it was less than that, it was judged as negative. In addition, inverted fluorescence microscope (TE300; made by Nikon Corporation), fluorescence signal acquisition system (AQUACOSMOS-RATIO; made by Hamamatsu Photonitas Corporation), and calcium-sensitive fluorescence element (rhod2 or fluo3) were used as measuring devices, etc. .

The results of the experiment are shown in Table 1 (cerebral cortex cells) and Table 2 (hippocampal cells).

[Table 1]

[Table 2]

[0131] As shown in Table 1, in the experiment using cerebral cortical cells, the positive rate is as high as 45% when the high frequency alternating magnetic field of 83.3 MHz is applied. On the other hand, in the case of 35.0 MHz and 250 MHz, the positive rate is as low as 8.3% and 7.6%. In addition, as shown in Table 2, in the experiment using hippocampal cells, when the high frequency alternating magnetic field of 83.3 MHz is applied, the positive rate is as high as 11. 1%, 35. O MHz and 250 MHz. In the case of, any Is also 0%.

According to such experimental results, the high frequency alternating magnetic field around 83.3 MHz, which is the force in the present example, is compared with the other frequencies (35. OMHz and 250 MHz) in the comparative example. It has been demonstrated that the effect of raising the calcium ion concentration and inducing exocytosis is very high.

Next, experiments to verify in more detail the relationship between the therapeutic high frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field acting on the cells of the treatment subject and the increase in calcium ion concentration in the cells are described.

In this experiment 5, after subjecting two types of cells (astrocytes, glial cells) to be tested to different frequency (10 to 500 MHz) of high frequency alternating magnetic field, The concentration of calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) was measured, and the calcium ion concentration increased by a factor of two or more compared to that before the alternating magnetic field action was judged as positive, and the positive rate was determined.

First, experimental conditions and procedures (1) to (6) in the present experiment 5 will be described.

(1) Cell culture

Two types of cells were used: “KINGS-1,” which is astrocyte cells, and “NMC-Gl,” which is glial cells. These cells are provided by Human Science Research Resource Bank (Human Science Promotion Foundation), a cell bank.

The two types of cells were cultured according to a general method using a 6-well or 12-well culture plate, RPMI 1640 medium (manufactured by Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and a carbon dioxide gas culture apparatus. In this culture, ⁵ × 10 ⁴ cells or 10 ⁵ cells were put in one well of the culture plate and cultured at 37 ° C. for 4 days or 2 days in a carbon dioxide gas culture apparatus.

(2) Measurement of control data (Ml)

Then, after the medium in each culture well of the culture plate was aspirated and removed, the cells were washed several times with 37 ° C. phosphate buffer. Next, measurement buffer was added to each culture well to keep the cells in an appropriate state so as not to dry out during the measurement. Thereafter, using the fluorometer (manufactured by "Fluoroscan Ascent", manufactured by Thermo Electron Co., Ltd.) Measurement was performed to obtain control data (Ml) reflecting the condition of the device background. By measuring this control data (Ml), it is possible to eliminate the effects of factors unrelated to the intracellular calcium concentration.

(3) Measurement of intracellular calcium ion concentration (M2) before magnetic stimulation

Then, after the measurement of Ml, the measurement buffer was removed from each culture well of the culture plate. Furthermore, a Ca staining solution “Fluo-3” solution was added to each culture well of the culture plate, and left in the dark at 37 ° C. for 1 hour to infiltrate the cells. After that, the above-mentioned Ca staining solution "Fluo-3" solution was removed. In addition, cells were washed several times with phosphate buffer at 37 ° C as needed to remove residual Ca staining solution “Fluo-3” solution. Next, measurement buffer at 37 ° C was added to each culture well to keep the cells in an appropriate state so as not to dry out during the measurement. Thereafter, fluorescence measurement was performed on the cells of each culture well of the culture plate using the above-mentioned fluorescence measurement device, and the calcium ion concentration (M2) in the cells before magnetic stimulation was measured.

This fluorescence measurement was carried out at an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and a measurement wavelength of 538 nm in a single measurement using the above-mentioned fluorescence measurement apparatus “Fluoroscan Ascent” (manufactured by Thermo Electronics Co., Ltd.). In addition, using the measurement point selection function of the fluorescence measurement device, 35 to 60 points were measured by selecting a part with many cells per well of the culture plate. Therefore, data of 35 to 60 calcium ion concentrations (M2) were obtained for cells in one culture well.

(4) Magnetic stimulation

Magnetic stimulation was applied to each cell in the culture plate for 10 minutes using an experimental magnetic stimulation device corresponding to the pain treatment device 10 described above. At this time, experiments were performed by changing the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field applied to the cells in the range of 10 MHz to 500 MHz.

The configuration of the experimental magnetic stimulation apparatus used in this case will be described in detail. This magnetic stimulation device is a signal generator (made by “E4421B” Agilent) for generating high frequencies in the MHz band (10 MHz to 500 MHz) and a low frequency in the kHz band (2. OkHz). A function generator ("33220A" manufactured by Agilent), a function generator ("320" manufactured by Yokogawa Denki) for generating a high frequency in the Hz band (7.81 kHz), and a control device for controlling them; From the amplifier that controls the intensity of the generated frequency and the oscillating coil Configured

As shown in FIG. 9, this oscillation coil 50 has a copper wire wound around the outer periphery of an acrylic annular base 52 having a diameter of 3 cm, an axial width of 9 mm, and a radial thickness of 2 mm. A high frequency coil 30 and a low frequency coil 40 are formed. Among these, the high frequency coil 30 is a one-turn solenoid coil (diameter 3 cm), and the low frequency coil 40 is a 200-turn solenoid coil (diameter 3 cm, winding width 5 mm). As described above, as the oscillation coil 50, one in which two kinds of coils, that is, the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40, are coaxially formed on one annular base portion 50 is used.

At the time of magnetic stimulation, the culture plate 60 after measurement of the calcium ion concentration (M2) was placed on the oscillation coil 50, and a light shielding cloth was placed thereon. Next, a high frequency current and a low frequency current are applied to the high frequency coil 30 and the low frequency coil 40 of the oscillation coil 50 respectively to generate an electromagnetic wave including a high frequency alternating magnetic field and a low frequency alternating magnetic field. The cells in each culture well of plate 60 were subjected to magnetic stimulation for 10 minutes.

At this time, the frequency of the high frequency current applied to the high frequency coil 30 is stepwise changed between 10 and 500 MHz for each experimental unit to obtain different therapeutic high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic fields for cells. I was allowed to act. Among these, one with a frequency of 50 to 140 MHz was taken as the present embodiment, and one with a frequency below 50 MHz and above 140 MHz was taken as a comparative example. On the other hand, the frequency of the low frequency current applied to the low frequency coil 40 was maintained at 2.0 kHz, and a low frequency alternating magnetic field with a constant frequency (2.0 kHz) was applied to the cells. In this way, it is possible to study the correlation between the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field and the increase in the calcium ion concentration in the cell by eliminating the influence of the low frequency alternating magnetic field. As shown in Fig. 4 above, both high frequency alternating magnetic fields and low frequency alternating magnetic fields were intermittently output at 7. 8 Hz, regardless of the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field. The magnetic field strength at the center of the oscillation coil 50 during magnetic stimulation was 784 nanotesla.

(5) Measurement of intracellular calcium ion concentration (M3) after magnetic stimulation

Then, after standing for 10 minutes after the above magnetic stimulation, fluorescence measurement is performed using a fluorescence measuring apparatus in the same procedure as the above (3), and calcium ion concentration in cells after magnetic stimulation (M3 Was measured. (6) Calculation of positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration before and after magnetic stimulation First, target data (Ml) and calcium ion concentration before magnetic stimulation (M2) obtained as described above, and magnetic Using the post-stimulation calcium ion concentration (M3), the increase R in calcium ion concentration was calculated according to Equation 1 below. The effective calcium ion elevation R was calculated for each of all the test cells in each experimental unit.

[Equation 1] Calcium ion elevation R = ^{M 3} - ^{M 1}

twenty one ,.

• · · (Formula 1)

Furthermore, in this experiment, when the calcium ion elevation R was 1.2 or more, it was determined that the increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration by magnetic stimulation was positive. Therefore, the proportion (%) of the number of experiments with an increase in calcium ion of 1.2 or more is calculated from the total number of experiments in each experimental unit, as shown in Equation 2 below, and the positive rate of increase in calcium ions I asked for. The higher this positive rate, the higher the intracellular calcium concentration by magnetic stimulation, indicating that the magnetic therapeutic effect is higher.

[Equation 2] Number of experiments in which the efficiency of increase in calcium ion is 2 ^R is L ² m Total number of experiments

• · · (Formula 2)

The reason for determining that the increase in calcium ion concentration is positive when the above-mentioned calcium ion increase degree R is 1.2 or more is as follows. In general, the mechanism of extracellular release of intracellular substances is the most frequent by the above exocytosis, and in order for this exocytosis to occur, it is necessary to increase the intracellular calcium ion concentration. In this case, it is thought that when the intracellular calcium ion concentration rises to more than 1. 2 times in the non-excitation state, the cells are excited and an exocytosis occurs. The calcium ion concentration in the cells is not completely constant even when the cells are not excited, and minor fluctuations occur. Therefore, in the physiological field, calcium ion concentration is 1. 2 times The above rise is considered as the basis of cell excitation. Therefore, in the experiment, too, the criterion of 1. 2 was adopted.

Furthermore, after obtaining the positive rate P for each experimental unit as described above, these positive rates P are averaged for each frequency of the same high frequency alternating magnetic field, and the average positive rate of calcium ion elevation (% Asked for). Furthermore, the average value of the calcium ion rise degree R was also determined for each experimental unit of the frequency.

The experimental conditions and the experimental procedure of Experiment 5 have been described above. The results of Experiment 5 are shown in Tables 3 and 10 for astrocytes (KINGS-1) and in Tables 4 and 11 for glial cells (NMC-G1). The graphs in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 plot the approximate curve by plotting the experimental data of the average positive rate (%) shown in Table 3 and Table 4 for each frequency [MHz].

[Table 3]

The meaning of each parameter in Table 3 and Table 4 is as follows.

• “NO.” Is an experiment number that represents the unit of I magnetic stimulation experiments. This experimental unit There are 35 to 60 data items.

• “Frequency (MHz)” is the frequency of the high frequency electromagnetic wave generated by the above magnetic stimulation device, that is, the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field applied to the cells.

• “Positive rate (%)” indicates that the intracellular calcium ion concentration after magnetic stimulation is 1 before magnetic stimulation.

The percentage obtained by dividing the number of experiments raised more than 2 times by the total number of experiments processed simultaneously (Positive ratio P of increase in calcium ion mentioned above).

• “Average positive rate (%)” is the value obtained by averaging the above positive rates (%) for the same frequency

• “Ca rise” is the value obtained by dividing the intracellular calcium ion concentration after magnetic stimulation by the calcium ion concentration before stimulation (the above calcium ion rise R) and averaging the values for each experimental unit. It indicates how many times the calcium ion concentration after magnetic stimulation at a frequency has been before magnetic stimulation.

(A) About Astrosite

First, the experimental results on astrocytes (KINGS-1) shown in Table 3 and Figure 10 are examined. These astrocytes are cells that release nerve growth factor (NGF), which has the function of repairing nerve cells, and contribute to the analgesic effect of chronic pain.

As shown in Table 3 and FIG. 10, when the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field applied to this astrocytic cell is 83.3 MHz, the average positive rate is 100%, and calcium ion is The increase in concentration is also a high value between 1. 31 and 1. 66 times. Therefore, when a high frequency alternating magnetic field in a predetermined range (83.3 ± 10% MHz) centered on 83.3 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in almost all astrocytes, Because one ciss occurs, it can be said that it exerts a remarkably excellent analgesic effect.

When the frequency is 70 MHz, the average positive rate is 95%, and when the frequency is 95 MHz, the average positive rate is 91.5%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 70 to 95 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration rises sufficiently in at least 90% or more of astrocytes, resulting in the occurrence of exocytosis. If you show the effect!

In addition, when the frequency is 65 MHz, the average positive rate is 81%, and the frequency is 105 If it is MHz, the average positive rate is 72.7%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 65 to 105 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration rises sufficiently in at least 70% or more of astrocytes, resulting in exocytosis. If you show the effect!

When the frequency is 55 MHz, the average positive rate is 62.7%, and when the frequency is 110 MHz, the average positive rate is 59.7%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 55 to 110 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in at least 50% or more of astrocytes to cause exocytosis. If you show the effect!

Also, when the frequency is 50 MHz, the average positive rate is 45.3%, and when the frequency is 120 MHz, the average positive rate is 43.3%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 50 to 120 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in at least 40% or more of astrocytes, and an exocytosis occurs, so that good analgesia is produced. If you show the effect!

[0163] Also, in the case of frequency power, the average positive rate is 34%, and when the frequency is 140 MHz, the average positive rate is 30.6%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 40 to 140 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration rises sufficiently in at least 30% or more of astrocytes, and an exocytosis occurs, so that a good pain relief effect is obtained. It can be said that it exerts.

On the other hand, when the frequency is less than 40 MHz, for example, 33 MHz, 20 MHz, 10 MHz, the average positive rate is very low at 0 to 2%. Also, if the frequency is greater than 140 MHz, for example, 200 MHz, 300 MHz, 385 MHz and 500 MHz, the average positive rate is as low as «0-11. 5%. Therefore, even if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of less than 40 MHz or greater than 140 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased, and the number of astrocytes in which exocytosis occurs is small (or zero). Therefore, it can be said that the analgesic effect is low.

(B) About glial cells

Next, about the experimental result about glial cells (NMC-G1) shown in Table 4 and FIG. 11 consider. These glial cells, like the above astrocytes, release nerve growth factor (NGF) having a function of repairing nerve cells, and contribute to the analgesic effect of chronic pain.

As shown in Table 4 and FIG. 11, when the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field applied to this glial cell is 83.3 MHz, the average positive rate is 97.6%, and calcium ion is The increase in concentration is also 1.56 times to 2. 31 times higher. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field in a predetermined range (83.3 ± 10% MHz) centered on 83.3 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in almost all glial cells. It can be said that it exhibits a remarkable superior analgesic effect because of the occurrence of the hexocytosis.

When the frequency is 70 MHz, the average positive rate is 93.3%, and when the frequency is 95 MHz, the average positive rate is 94.5%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 70 to 95 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in the glial cells of at least 90% or more to cause exocytosis, so that a very excellent analgesic effect is obtained. When you show off!

When the frequency is 65 MHz, the average positive rate is 75.5%, and when the frequency is 100 MHz, the average positive rate is 78.5%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 65 to 100 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in glial cells of at least 70% or more to cause exocytosis. It will be amazing to show its effect.

When the frequency is 55 MHz, the average positive rate is 55.3%, and when the frequency is 11 OMHz, the average positive rate is 55.3%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 55 to L 10 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently raised to cause an exocytosis in at least 50% or more of glial cells, so that an excellent pain relief effect is obtained. It can be said that

When the frequency is 50 MHz, the average positive rate is 43.7%, and when the frequency is 120 MHz, the average positive rate is 47.7%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 50 to 120 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased in glial cells of at least 40% or more to cause exocytosis, which is good. It can be said that it exerts an analgesic effect.

[0171] In addition, when the frequency is 140 MHz, the average positive rate is 33%. Therefore, if a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 50 to 140 MHz is applied, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently raised to at least 30% or more of the gray cells to cause excitocytosis. It can be said that it exerts an effect.

On the other hand, when the frequency is less than 50 MHz, for example, 40 MHz, 30 MHz, 20 MHz, the average positive rate is as low as 23% or less. In addition, if the frequency is greater than 140 MHz, for example, 200 MHz, 350 MHz, and 385 MHz, the average positive rate is as low as 0 to L: 1.5%. Therefore, even if the frequency is less than 50 MHz or greater than 140 MHz, the calcium ion concentration is sufficiently increased and the number of glial cells in which the exocytosis occurs is small (or zero). , The pain relief effect is low.

(C) Summary of experimental results

Given the above experimental results of both (a) astrocytes and (b) glial cells, the following can be said.

That is, the frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field acting on the cells has a remarkable peak at 83.3 MHz, and the positive rate of increase in the calcium ion concentration in the cells is high, and the frequency is 83.3 MHz. The positive rate gradually decreases as you move away from the

Therefore, in order to sufficiently raise the intracellular calcium ion concentration to preferably induce exocytosis, it is preferable that the therapeutic high frequency of the high frequency alternating magnetic field to be applied be 50 to 140 MHz. As a result, since the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 30% or more, a good analgesic effect can be exhibited. On the other hand, if the frequency is less than 50 or greater than 140 MHz, the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration may be less than 30%, so sufficient analgesic effects may not be obtained.

Further, the therapeutic high frequency is more preferably 50 to 120 MHz, whereby the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 40% or more, so that a good analgesic effect can be exhibited. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the therapeutic high frequency is 55 to: L lO MHz, whereby the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 50% or more. Can exert a good analgesic effect. Furthermore, the therapeutic high frequency is more preferably 65 to: LOO MHz, and the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 70% or more, so that it is possible to exert a very excellent analgesic effect. Furthermore, the therapeutic high frequency is more preferably 70 to 95 MHz, and since the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 90% or more, a very excellent analgesic effect can be exhibited. Furthermore, it is most preferable that the high frequency for treatment is in a predetermined range (83.3 ± 10% MHz) centered on the above-mentioned 83.3 MHz peak, whereby the average positive rate of increase in calcium ion concentration is 100 Because it is close to%, it can exert extremely excellent analgesic effect.

Here, based on the fact that the average positive rate is 30%, 40%, etc., it is administered to the living body about the reason for selecting the preferable range of the high frequency for medical treatment of the high frequency alternating magnetic field. The general relationship between the drug and the cellular response will be described by way of example.

[0178] Generally, cells in the living body show a predetermined response by drug administration, but the proportion of cells that react at this time varies depending on the type of drug. For example, when a very potent drug (potassium cyanide, tetrodotoxin, etc.) is administered, 90% or more of the cells respond. In addition, conventional drugs are formulated so that 50 to 60% of cells respond. Drugs with mild efficacy are formulated such that 30% of the cells react to suppress side effects.

[0179] As described above, in the same manner as selecting a suitable drug according to the reaction rate of cells, in the present embodiment, according to the average positive rate corresponding to the reaction rate of cells, a suitable high frequency alternating magnetic field is selected. The frequency range of was selected. For example, by applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field of 50 to 55 MHz, relatively weak magnetic treatment can be given such that 30% to 40% of cells become positive. On the other hand, by applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field of 70 to 95 MHz, relatively strong magnetic therapy can be given such that cells of 90% or more become positive.

[0180] The experimental results of Experiments 1 to 5 according to the example of the present invention have been described above. According to the above experimental results, the calcium ion concentration in the cells of the affected area can be increased by applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field of a suitable frequency to the affected area using the pain treatment device 100 according to the present embodiment. It is uplifted to induce exocytosis and as a result, it is proved that the pain in the affected area is analgesia because the nerve cells are repaired by the release of NGF or the like. Also, according to the above experiment, high frequency alternation is brought about in bringing about such a magnetic treatment effect. A preferred frequency range of the magnetic field could be demonstrated.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious for those skilled in the art to be able to conceive of various changes or modifications within the scope described in the scope of the claims, and it is naturally also within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs

For example, in the above embodiment, the high frequency and low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means is provided with a coil such as the high frequency coil 30 or the low frequency coil 40 as an antenna for emitting an electromagnetic wave. It is not limited to profitable examples. Antennas that radiate electromagnetic waves include, for example, rod antennas, Hertz dipole antennas, short antennas, half-wavelength dipole antennas, helical antennas, monopole antennas, diamond antennas, array antennas, and horn antennas in addition to loop antennas such as coils. It may be configured with various antennas such as a parabola antenna or slot antenna. In addition, the coil used as the antenna can be composed of a solenoid coil, Helmholtz antenna, rotary coil, split pair coil, shim coil, or saddle coil. Further, the material, shape, number of turns, presence / absence of axis, arrangement of the high frequency coil 30 or the low frequency coil 40 are not limited to the examples of the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, a control block as shown in FIG. 3 is used as a high frequency oscillating means and a low frequency oscillating means for applying a high frequency current or a low frequency current to the high frequency coil 30 or the low frequency coil 40. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples in which the present invention is applied. The circuit configuration of the control block 20 can be variously changed in design, for example, as long as a high frequency within the range of a predetermined high frequency for treatment (for example, 50 to 140 MHz) can be oscillated. For example, the high frequency oscillating means 24 capable of oscillating the above high frequency and the low frequency capable of oscillating a predetermined low frequency (for example, 2.0 kHz, 7. 81 Hz etc.) without necessarily providing the main control circuit which is equal to the microcomputer. Frequency oscillating means 25 may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the example of 83.3 MHz was mainly described as the high frequency for treatment of high frequency electromagnetic waves (high frequency alternating magnetic field), but the present invention is limited to the example of force. The high frequency for treatment may be a predetermined frequency within the range of 50 to 140 MHz. Also, Although the low frequency for the treatment of low frequency electromagnetic waves has been described with the example of 2. OkHz, for example, the invention is not limited to the example of force, and the low frequency for treatment is predetermined within the range of about 2.0 ± 10% kHz. The frequency may be any frequency in the other range.

Further, in the above embodiment, the high frequency electromagnetic wave is a substantially sinusoidal wave, but is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a substantially rectangular wave, a sawtooth wave or the like. Although the low frequency electromagnetic wave is a substantially rectangular wave, it is not limited to a strong example, and may be, for example, a substantially sine wave, a sawtooth wave or the like. In addition, although the low frequency electromagnetic wave is a substantially rectangular wave having two values of a predetermined positive value and a zero value, the two values are not limited to the example of force, and for example, both positive values and both negative values. A value or one may be positive and the other negative.

Further, in the above embodiment, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave intermittently in a combined intermittent manner at frequencies of about 2. Ok Hz and about 7. 81 Hz. It is not limited to the example. The high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means may intermittently generate high frequency electromagnetic waves, for example, only at a frequency of approximately 2.0 k ± 10% kHz or at any frequency of approximately 7. 8 Hz ± 10%. , High frequency electromagnetic waves may be generated intermittently at one or more frequencies other than the above frequencies. Also, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means may generate the high frequency electromagnetic wave continuously (for example, as a continuous wave of 83.3 MHz ± 10%) without intermittent.

Also, the high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means does not generate the high frequency electromagnetic wave completely intermittently as described above, but, for example, the high frequency electromagnetic wave has an electromagnetic wave intensity of a predetermined frequency or more (1 or 2 or more) For example, it may be generated to increase or decrease, for example, approximately sinusoidally at approximately 2. Ok ± 10% kHz and approximately 7.81 Hz ± 10%. Also in this case, the intensity of the high frequency alternating magnetic field acting on the treatment subject can be periodically increased or decreased to change the alternating magnetic field stimulation, thereby enhancing the magnetic treatment effect. Furthermore, in synchronization with the periodic increase and decrease of the high frequency electromagnetic wave intensity, for example, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generated by the low frequency electromagnetic wave generator may be periodically increased or decreased or interrupted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means intermittently generates the low frequency electromagnetic wave with a cycle of about 7. 8 Hz, but the present invention is not limited to the example. The low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means is, for example, a low frequency electromagnetic wave at one or more frequencies other than the above frequency. May occur intermittently. Also, the low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means may generate the low frequency electromagnetic wave continuously without intermittent.

The pain treatment device 10 according to the above embodiment is configured to be capable of generating both high frequency electromagnetic waves and low frequency electromagnetic waves by including both the high frequency oscillation means 24 and the low frequency oscillation means 25. The invention is not limited to the examples given. The pain treatment device 10 may be configured to generate only the high frequency electromagnetic wave without the low frequency oscillation means 25 described above. In addition to the high frequency oscillation means 24 and the Z or low frequency oscillation means 25, the pain treatment device 10 is additionally provided with one or more new electromagnetic wave generation means (for example, another coil etc.) May be Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave generated by the added electromagnetic wave generating means may be, for example, an electromagnetic wave of an arbitrary frequency such as a long wave, a medium wave, a short wave, an ultrashort wave, or a microwave.

[0190] In addition to the components other than the above, the pain treatment device 10 may be, for example, a vibration generating means for giving vibration to the treatment subject, frequency or intensity of an electromagnetic wave (alternate magnetic field) to be applied, room temperature, body temperature. , Various measuring devices to measure the remaining amount of battery, etc., timer devices to measure and control the irradiation continuation time (operation time) of the alternating magnetic field and to perform the automatic on / off operation of the operation, etc. A sound generator such as a buzzer device for notifying the end of time, power consumption, etc. by voice may be provided as appropriate, and a belt or adhesive mounting means for mounting the therapeutic device body on the affected area may be provided appropriately.

Further, although the pain treatment device 10 according to the above embodiment is configured to generate high frequency electromagnetic waves of 50 to 140 MHz (for example, 83.3 MHz), the present invention is not limited to the example of the present invention.

[0192] For example, the pain treatment device 10 may be any frequency within 50 to 140 MHz divided by any positive integer (for example, 83.3 MHz divided by 2, 3, ... about 41.6 MHz, 27). And so on), and is also configured to generate high frequency electromagnetic waves of 50 to 140 MHz using harmonics that are incidental to the generation of electromagnetic waves of this frequency. Just a minute.

That is, in general, if the fundamental wave of the high frequency electromagnetic wave to be generated is not a perfect sine wave, harmonics inevitably occur at a frequency that is an integral multiple of the fundamental wave. Because of this, 50MH Even if an electromagnetic wave of less than z (for example, about 41.65 MHz, about 27.8 MHz, etc.) is generated as a fundamental wave, a high frequency electromagnetic wave of a frequency that is an integral multiple (twice, three times,. (Eg 83.3 MHz) are generated as harmonics. The frequency of this harmonic is in the preferred frequency range according to the present embodiment, that is, 50 to 140 MHz, preferably 50 to 120 MHz, more preferably 55 to: L 10 MHz, still more preferably 65 to 50 MHz. : It is considered that the magnetic therapeutic effect is produced by applying the harmonics to the treatment object if it is within the range of LOO MHz, still more preferably 70 to 95 MHz, particularly preferably 83.3 ± 10% MHz. Be Therefore, a pain treatment device and a high frequency treatment device that generate a fundamental wave that is a generation source of the harmonics are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In addition, the pain treatment device 10 generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave of 50 to 140 MHz by intermittently generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave of frequency higher than 140 MHz at 50 to 140 MHz.

That is, even when living cells such as the human body are excessively irradiated with electromagnetic waves in a high frequency band, they may not respond to changes in the high frequency alternating magnetic field. Taking advantage of the insensitivity of powerful living cells, a high frequency electromagnetic wave (for example, 1 GHz) having a frequency higher than 140 MHz is used as a carrier wave, and the carrier is used as the above-mentioned therapeutic high frequency 50 to 140 MHz (for example 83.3 MHz). By turning on and off at the cycle corresponding to, and outputting, the living cell will react as if only the high frequency electromagnetic wave for treatment was irradiated. Therefore, a pain treatment device that intermittently generates a carrier wave that is a source of the high frequency is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Further, the high frequency for treatment may be a fixed value within the range of 50 to 140 MHz. However, when the same therapeutic high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic field is continuously applied to the cells in the affected area, the cells in the affected area may get used to the frequency and the magnetic therapeutic effect may be reduced. Therefore, during treatment using the above-mentioned pain treatment device 10 (during irradiation of the high frequency alternating magnetic field to the affected area), the high frequency for the treatment is 50 to 140 MHz, preferably 3⁄450 to 120 MHz, more preferably 55 :: L l O MHz, more preferably 5〜 65 to: LOO MHz, still more preferably 70 to 95 MHz, particularly preferably 83.3 ± 10% MHz. This allows different treatment of the affected cells during magnetic treatment Since high frequency alternating magnetic fields can be applied, it is possible to change the magnetic stimulation that cells in the affected area receive, and improve the magnetic treatment effect. Note that such a change in the high frequency for medical treatment can be realized, for example, by changing the frequency of the high frequency current applied to the high frequency coil 30 by the high frequency oscillation means within the above range.

Also, in the above embodiment, although an example of a pain treatment device for treating pain in an affected part of a treatment subject has been described as a high frequency treatment device, the present invention is not limited to the example. The high frequency treatment device of the present invention can be applied to, for example, various kinds of treatment devices having magnetic treatment effects such as blood circulation promotion.

Industrial applicability

[0198] The present invention is applicable to high frequency therapeutic devices, and in particular, applicable to pain treatment devices that cause magnetic therapeutic effects such as analgesia and blood circulation promotion by causing a high frequency alternating magnetic field to act on a treatment subject. It is.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A pain treatment apparatus for causing an alternating magnetic field to act on an affected area of a subject to be treated: a therapeutic high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic field to act on the affected area; A pain treatment apparatus comprising: a high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave; and the therapeutic high frequency in the range of 50 to 140 MHz is also selected.

[2] By causing the therapeutic high frequency alternating magnetic field emitted from the high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means to act on the affected area, the calcium ion concentration in the cells in the affected area is increased, and the ectosite of the predetermined substance is excited. The pain treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that it induces cis.

[3] The pain treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency is also selected in the range of 50 to 120 MHz.

[4] The pain treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency is also selected in the range of 55 to 110 MHz.

[5] The pain treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency is selected from the range of 65 to LOO MHz.

[6] The pain treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency is also selected in the range of 75 to 95 MHz.

[7] The pain treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency is also selected in the range of 83.3 ± 10% MHz.

[8] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means is

High frequency oscillating means for outputting high frequency current;

An antenna for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave of the high frequency for treatment by applying a high frequency current to the high frequency oscillating means;

The pain treatment device according to claim 1, comprising:

[9] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means intermittently generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave by repeating an on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and an off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave at a predetermined cycle. The device for treating pain according to claim 1.

[10] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means repeats the first on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the first off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave at a cycle corresponding to 2.0 ± 10% kHz. The pain treatment device according to claim 9, wherein the high frequency electromagnetic wave is intermittently generated.

[11] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means repeats the second on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the second off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave at a cycle corresponding to 7. 8 ± 10% Hz. The pain treatment device according to claim 10, wherein the high frequency electromagnetic wave is intermittently generated.

[12] A low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating a low frequency electromagnetic wave of low frequency for treatment is provided to cause a predetermined low frequency of low frequency alternating magnetic field to act on the affected area, the low frequency of treatment for low frequency is 2. The pain treatment device according to claim 1, which is selected from the range of 0 ± 10% kHz.

[13] The low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means is

Low frequency oscillation means for outputting low frequency current;

An antenna for generating a low frequency electromagnetic wave of the low frequency for treatment by applying a low frequency current from the low frequency oscillation means;

The pain treatment device according to claim 12, comprising:

[14] The low frequency electromagnetic wave generating means intermittently generates the low frequency electromagnetic wave by repeating an on period for generating the low frequency electromagnetic wave and an off period for not generating the low frequency electromagnetic wave at a predetermined cycle. The pain treatment device according to claim 13, characterized in that.

[15] The low frequency electromagnetic wave generation means includes a third on period for generating the low frequency electromagnetic wave and

The low frequency electromagnetic wave is intermittently generated by repeating the third off period in which the low frequency electromagnetic wave is not generated, at a cycle corresponding to 7. 8 ± 10% Hz. Pain therapy device as described.

[16] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means intermittently generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave by repeating an on period for generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave and an off period for not generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave at a predetermined cycle,

The on period of the high frequency electromagnetic wave and the on period of the low frequency electromagnetic wave are synchronized with each other. The treatment apparatus for pain according to claim 14, characterized in that:

[17] The high frequency electromagnetic wave generation means generates the high frequency electromagnetic wave for high frequency treatment by intermittently generating the high frequency electromagnetic wave having frequency higher than 140 MHz in a cycle corresponding to the high frequency for treatment. The treatment device for pain according to claim 1, characterized in that.

[18] The pain treatment according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutic high frequency high frequency electromagnetic wave generated by the high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means includes a harmonic generated when generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave of less than 50 MHz. vessel.

[19] A high frequency treatment apparatus for causing an alternating magnetic field to act on an affected area of a subject to be treated: a therapeutic high frequency high frequency alternating magnetic field to act on the affected area; A high frequency treatment device comprising: a high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means for generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave; and a high frequency of 50 to 140 MHz for the medical treatment is also selected.