Combined Double-Coil and Handheld rPMS in Low Back Pain: An Observational Case Series Based on Routine Clinical Practice

Despite the high prevalence of low back pain (LBP), evidence supporting the clinical effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) remains limited. A combined double-coil and handheld rPMS approach may enhance the therapeutic potential of this technology. This observational case series analyzed prospectively collected routine clinical data from 37 patients treated with a combined protocol of static double-coil lumbar rPMS and dynamic handheld lower-limb rPMS. Pain intensity, disability, and quality of life were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Statistical analyses were complemented by an evaluation of clinical relevance using established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds. Significant improvements were observed across all outcomes. Pain decreased by 62.5% post-treatment and by 87.5% at follow-up, while disability was reduced by 86.8% and 92.1%, respectively. Quality of life scores approximately doubled. High MCID responder rates and consistent within-group changes were observed; however, given the single-arm design without a control group, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory evidence of treatment effectiveness. This combined rPMS approach was feasible and well tolerated in routine clinical practice and was associated with clinically meaningful within-group improvements in pain, function, and quality of life. Further controlled studies are warranted.