Painless injections may end needle phobia

AS many as 1 in 10 people experience needle phobia, according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), but a new study finds that  painless injections could be possible with a device that applies pressure and vibration while the needle is inserted in the skin.

Imagine no fear of the needle for those old enough to know what's coming (Photo © uwimages / Fotolia)

Needle phobia may have negative consequences, such as decreasing the rate of vaccinations and blood donation, noted William McKay, M.D., lead author of the study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY? 2014 annual meeting.

"Our early research suggests that using a device that applies pressure and vibration before the needle stick could help significantly decrease painful sensations by closing the 'gate' that sends pain signals to the brain," said Dr. McKay, who is also a professor of anesthesiology in perioperative medicine and pain management at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.

Researchers studied the use of pressure, vibration, and cooling or warming in 21 adults poked in the shoulder by a plastic needle that doesn't break the skin, but produces needle-like pain. They tested different levels of pressure, vibration and temperature to determine the amount that provided the most benefit.

They found that perception of pain was significantly decreased when a specific amount of pressure and vibration was applied to the site for 20 seconds prior to using the plastic needle. The addition of heat added a small benefit, but it wasn't significant. The study should be repeated in children, who may experience pain differently, said Dr. McKay., adding that the addition of heat or cold might be more beneficial.

The concept likely works by distraction as well as employing the gate-control theory of pain, in which these sensations (pressure, vibration and potentially temperature) close the gate that allows the brain to register pain.