What is Buzzy?
Buzzy is a handheld vibrating device with removable ice wings, Buzzy is used to provide pain relief and distraction for patients undergoing a wide variety of medical procedures and tests.
Buzzy helps with needle fear, pain and phobia. From vaccinations to IV access to infusions or daily injections, Buzzy has been used over 37 million times worldwide to reduce pain and fear during medical procedures.
How does Buzzy work?
It works by distracting the nerves and numbing the pain...
Buzzy uses a combination of cold and vibration to help block pain and sharp sensations on the body. It has been shown to decrease needle pain by 50-80% and when added to distraction it can reduce pain by 88%.
1. Gate Control Theory: Stopping Pain Where It Starts
The Gate Control Theory of Pain is the basis for the design of Buzzy®. The premise is that when nerves receive non-painful signals such as vibration or cold, the brain closes the gate on pain signals. For example, if you hit your finger with a hammer, you might instinctively begin to rub it, shake it, or run it under cold water. You are sending non-pain signals through your nerves to close the gate on the pain signals.
2. Descending Noxious Inhibitory Control (DNIC): Turning Down Pain Everywhere
Buzzy doesn’t just stop pain at the surface—it also triggers your body’s internal pain-control system.
When the cooling pad delivers strong cold, it activates a process called Descending Noxious Inhibitory Control, or DNIC.
This causes the brain to release inhibitory signals that raise your overall pain threshold—like turning down the volume on pain across your body.
In simple terms: the intense cooling sensation makes your brain less sensitive to pain anywhere else.