A team of researchers in the United States has discovered a novel approach to relieving knee pain by stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear.
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, plays a vital role in several essential bodily functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate regulation.
In a study conducted by scientists at the University of Texas, 30 adult participants aged 45 and older—all of whom suffered from knee osteoarthritis—underwent this new treatment method. During the 30-minute session, the volunteers wore a specialised device clipped to the ear, which delivered gentle pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Following the treatment, 11 participants reported a noticeable reduction in knee pain. Additionally, 93% of the volunteers experienced no side effects, indicating that the procedure was generally safe and well-tolerated.
According to the study’s lead researcher, many current therapies for knee pain are based on the assumption that discomfort stems from tissue damage. However, this new approach targets the possibility of imbalances within the body’s nervous system as a potential source of knee pain.
The findings suggest that vagus nerve stimulation through the ear could become an innovative, non-invasive option for managing knee osteoarthritis and possibly other types of chronic joint pain.
