Auricular Neuromodulation in Veterans With Fibromyalgia is a study exploring the effects of a treatment called PENFS (percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation) for fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition affecting many people, especially veterans. PENFS is a therapy similar to acupuncture that uses small electrical signals on the ear to target nerves and help reduce pain and improve physical function. The study aims to see if PENFS can reduce symptoms without needing opioids, which often have side effects.
The study will involve 240 participants who are veterans with fibromyalgia. They will be divided into two groups: one receiving the real PENFS treatment and the other receiving a placebo (fake treatment). Participants will report on their pain and function at the start, and then again 1 and 12 weeks after treatment. Some participants will also undergo special brain scans to see how PENFS affects brain activity and heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of heart function.
- Participants aged 20-60 with fibromyalgia can join.
- The study involves baseline and follow-up assessments over 12 weeks.
- Potential to receive real treatment if initially given placebo.