What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and does it Help Fibromyalgia?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s most commonly used to treat depression, but research shows it may also help with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
How It Works
A device with an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp.
It sends magnetic pulses into specific areas of your brain—usually the motor cortex or prefrontal cortex.
These pulses activate neurons and can help regulate brain activity linked to pain perception, mood, and fatigue.
A magnetic coil is positioned on the patient's head. IMAGE: Baburov
A device with an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp.
It sends magnetic pulses into specific areas of your brain—usually the motor cortex or prefrontal cortex.
These pulses activate neurons and can help regulate brain activity linked to pain perception, mood, and fatigue.
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| A magnetic coil is positioned on the patient's head. IMAGE: Baburov |
Types of TMS
Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Delivers pulses in rapid succession. This is the most studied form for fibromyalgia.
Deep TMS: Reaches deeper brain structures and is used for more complex conditions.
Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Delivers pulses in rapid succession. This is the most studied form for fibromyalgia.
Deep TMS: Reaches deeper brain structures and is used for more complex conditions.
For Fibromyalgia
Studies suggest rTMS may:
Reduce pain intensity
Improve quality of life
Ease fatigue, anxiety, and depression
Offer relief lasting weeks after treatment
It’s typically done in a clinic, with sessions lasting around 30–40 minutes, several times a week for a few weeks.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically repetitive TMS (rTMS), is emerging as a promising non-invasive therapy for fibromyalgia. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, rTMS may help modulate pain perception and improve mood—two major challenges for people living with fibromyalgia.
New Research:
rTMS Shows Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvements
A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that rTMS significantly relieved pain and enhanced quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. This supports growing clinical interest in using brain stimulation to manage chronic pain conditions.
More Than Just Pain Relief:
rTMS Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue
A 2025 study published in SpringerOpen reported that rTMS not only reduced pain, but also lowered anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels in fibromyalgia patients. These findings suggest that rTMS may offer a more holistic benefit, targeting both physical and emotional symptoms.
Functional Gains:
Improved Function and Lasting Effects
According to Neuralia TMS, a 2018 study in the Journal of Pain Research showed that TMS effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with fibromyalgia. Another study published on ScienceDirect in 2025 found that pain relief from rTMS lasted up to 8 weeks post-treatment, with an excellent effect size.
Real-World Therapy:
What Clinics Are Saying
Smart TMS reports that studies consistently show rTMS relieves pain and enhances quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Beyond pain relief, TMS also appears to reduce fatigue and improve emotional well-being.
So, Does TMS Help?
The evidence is stacking up: rTMS may be a powerful tool in the fibromyalgia treatment arsenal. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and shows promise in reducing pain, fatigue, and mood-related symptoms. While more large-scale trials are needed, current research suggests that TMS could offer meaningful relief for many fibro patients.
Have you tried TMS therapy? Did it help your fibromyalgia symptoms? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear from real people living with fibro.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.
Sources:
Oxford Academic –rTMS for Fibromyalgia
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