<p>Researchers have developed a new 'pen' which they claim can shock nerves into blocking pain signals and can be used to treat millions crippled by arthritis and those suffering from headaches and facial pain.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The gadget has a tip – like a ballpoint pen – cooled to -20C using liquid nitrogen. The small, hand-held device is inserted a few millimetres under the patient's skin against a nerve, causing it to "hibernate" and block pain signals, the Daily Express reported.<br /><br />Early tests show that the pen, which has been approved for use in Britain, gives instant relief with each treatment session taking just 30 to 45 minutes.<br /><br />The device which works using cryotherapy has been developed by American company called MyoScience.<br /><br />They claim it could be used to treat a host of pain-related conditions from arthritis to headaches and even facial pain.<br /><br />Cryotherapy is used to treat many diseases and disorders from freezing off warts to helping athletes' muscles recover after competition and training.<br /><br />Exposure to extreme cold is thought to boost the immune system, relieve muscle pain and even depression.<br /><br />It is believed it can work on pain by slowing and even stopping the signals travelling along our nerves.<br /><br />The MyoScience 'pen' works by putting cold liquid inside the device under high pressure when turned on – transforming it into an extremely cold gas which cools its metal tip.<br /><br />The tip, which is the same thickness as a needle, is then inserted into the skin by a doctor which takes just seconds to cool the tissue.<br /><br />Sensors within the device monitor the temperature of the skin throughout the treatment.<br />This ensures the tip stays cold enough to 'hibernate' the nerves, but not so cold that it causes damage.<br /><br />At present, there is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help slow down the progress of the condition.</p>
<p>Researchers have developed a new 'pen' which they claim can shock nerves into blocking pain signals and can be used to treat millions crippled by arthritis and those suffering from headaches and facial pain.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The gadget has a tip – like a ballpoint pen – cooled to -20C using liquid nitrogen. The small, hand-held device is inserted a few millimetres under the patient's skin against a nerve, causing it to "hibernate" and block pain signals, the Daily Express reported.<br /><br />Early tests show that the pen, which has been approved for use in Britain, gives instant relief with each treatment session taking just 30 to 45 minutes.<br /><br />The device which works using cryotherapy has been developed by American company called MyoScience.<br /><br />They claim it could be used to treat a host of pain-related conditions from arthritis to headaches and even facial pain.<br /><br />Cryotherapy is used to treat many diseases and disorders from freezing off warts to helping athletes' muscles recover after competition and training.<br /><br />Exposure to extreme cold is thought to boost the immune system, relieve muscle pain and even depression.<br /><br />It is believed it can work on pain by slowing and even stopping the signals travelling along our nerves.<br /><br />The MyoScience 'pen' works by putting cold liquid inside the device under high pressure when turned on – transforming it into an extremely cold gas which cools its metal tip.<br /><br />The tip, which is the same thickness as a needle, is then inserted into the skin by a doctor which takes just seconds to cool the tissue.<br /><br />Sensors within the device monitor the temperature of the skin throughout the treatment.<br />This ensures the tip stays cold enough to 'hibernate' the nerves, but not so cold that it causes damage.<br /><br />At present, there is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help slow down the progress of the condition.</p>