I saw a special on TV where they are using tiny staples implanted in painful points to help people with chronic neck or back pain. How long do they have to keep the staples in? Do they stay forever? Fall out on their own?

Neuroreflexotherapy (NRT) is the name of the treatment you saw a special about. It is exactly as you described: tiny staples implanted under the skin in painful areas triggered by a specific point called a trigger point.

The staples are left in for about 12 weeks before they are surgically removed. Sometimes they are left in longer if the patient is still improving. The theory behind this treatment is that nerve cells responsible for pain, inflammation, and muscle dysfunction are deactivated. The exact mechanism isn’t understood completely.

Studies so far show they work best if used early. It’s advised that the staples should be implanted when pain lasts more than 14 days. The pain should be rated as a three or higher on a scale from zero (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).

The longer pain is present, the less likely NRT will help. But even some patients with chronic pain lasting months got pain relief and experienced improved function by using NRT.