Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Volumn , Issue 3, 2008, Pages

  Nnoaham, Kelechi E ^a   Kumbang, Jharna ^b  

^a UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD   (United Kingdom)

^b Public Health Medicine   (United Kingdom)

Author keywords

*Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation adverse effects ; Chronic disease; Humans; Pain *therapy ; Randomized controlled trials as topic; Treatment outcome

Indexed keywords

ANALGESIA; ANGINA PECTORIS; CANCER PAIN; CHRONIC PAIN; CINAHL; CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS; CLINICAL TRIAL; COCHRANE LIBRARY; DATA EXTRACTION; DYSMENORRHEA; EMBASE; HEADACHE; HUMAN; MEDLINE; METHODOLOGY; MIGRAINE; OUTCOME ASSESSMENT; QUALITY CONTROL; REVIEW; SAMPLE SIZE; SYSTEMATIC REVIEW; TRANSCUTANEOUS NERVE STIMULATION; TREATMENT DURATION;

EID: 55049104535     PISSN: 1469493X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003222.pub2     Document Type: Review

References (162)

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28. Airaksinen 1992 {published data only} Airaksinen O, Pontinen PJ. Effects of the electrical stimulation of myofascial trigger points with tension headache. Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research 1992;17:285-90.
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30. Anderson 2004 {published data only} Anderson SI, Whatling P, Hudlicka O, Gosling P, Simms M, Brown MD. Chronic transcutaneous electrical stimulation of calf muscles improves functional capacity without inducing systemic inflammation in claudicants. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2004;27:201-9.
31. Annal 1992 {published data only} Annal N, Soundappan SV, Palaniappan KMC, Chandrasekar S. Introduction of transcutaneous, low-voltage, non-pulsatile direct current (DC) therapy formigraine and chronic headaches. A comparison with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Headache Quarterly 1992;3:434-7.
32. Bloodworth 2004 {published data only} Bloodworth D, Nguyen B, Garver W, Moss F, Pedroza C, Tran T, Chiou T. Comparison of stochastic vs conventional transcutaneous electrical stimulation for pain modulation in patients with electromyographically documented radiculopathy. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2004;83:584-91.
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36. Chao 2007 {published data only} Chao A, Chao A, Wang T, Chang Y, Peng H, Chang S, et al. Pain relief by applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS on acupuncture points during the first stage of labor: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Pain 2007;127:214-20.
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41. Coletta 1988 {published data only} Coletta R, Maggiolo F, Di Tizio S. Etofenamate and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment of painful spinal syndromes. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research 1988;8:295-8.
42. Crockett 1986 {published data only} Crockett DJ, Foreman ME, Alden L, Blasberg B. A comparison of treatment modes in the management of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 1986;11:279-91.
43. Dawood 1990 {published data only} Dawood MY, Ramos J. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea: a randomized crossover comparison with placebo TENS and ibuprofen. Obstetrics and Gynecologica 1990;75:656-60.
44. De-Angelis 2003 {published data only} De-Angelis C, Perrone G, Santoro G, Nofroni I, Zichella L. Suppression of pelvic pain during hysteroscopy with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. Fertility and Sterility 2003;79:1422-7.
45. Deyo 1990a {published data only} Deyo RA, Walsh NE, Schoenfeld LS, Ramamurthy S. Can trials of physical treatments be blinded? The example of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic pain. American Journal of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation 1990;69:6-10.
46. Deyo 1990b {published data only} Deyo RA, Walsh NE, Martin DC, Schoenfeld LS, Ramamurthy S. A controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and exercise for chronic low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine 1990;322:1627-34.
47. Di Benedetto 1993 {published data only} Di Benedetto P, Iona LG, Zidarich V. Clinical evaluation of S-adenosyl-L-methionine versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in primary fibromyalgia. Current Therapeutic Research - Clinical and Experimental 1993;53:222-9.
48. Dobie 1986 {published data only} Dobie RA, Hoberg KE, Rees TS. Electrical tinnitus suppression: a double-blind crossover study. Archives of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery 1986;95:319-23.
49. Erdogan 2005 {published data only} Erdogan M, Erdogan A, Erbil N, Karakaya H, Demircan A. Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of the Effect of TENS on postthoracotomy pain and pulmonary function. World Journal of Surgery 2005;29:1563-70.
50. Fagade 2003 {published data only} Fagade OO, Obilade TO. Therapeutic effect of TENS on post-IMF trismus and pain. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 2003;32:391-4.
51. Fargas 2001 {published data only} Fargas B. Acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and laser therapy in chronic pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain 2001;17(4Suppl):S105-13.
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53. Fargas-Babjak AM, Pomeranz B, Rooney PJ. Acupuncture-like stimulation with codetron for rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain syndrome and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research 1992;17:95-105.
54. Farina 2004 {published data only} Farina S, Casarotto M, Benelle M, Tinazzi M, Fiaschi A, Goldoni M, et al.A randomized controlled study on the effect of two different treatments FREMS AND TENS in myofascial pain syndrome. Europa Medicophysica 2004;40:293-301.
55. Freeman 1983 {published data only} Freeman TB, Campbell JN, Long DM. Naloxone does not affect pain relief induced by electrical stimulation in man. Pain 1983;17:189-95.
56. Furgala 2001 {published data only} Furgala A, Thor PJ, Kolasinska K, Krygowska W, Kopp B, Laskiewicz J. The effect of transcutaneous nerve stimulation TENS on gastric electrical activity. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2001;52:603-10.
57. Geirsson 1993 {published data only} Geirsson G, Wang YH, Lindstrom S, Fall M. Traditional acupuncture and electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve. A trial in chronic interstitial cystitis. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology 1993;27:67-70.
58. Ghoname 1999 {published data only} Ghoname EA, White PF, Ahmed HE, Hamza MA, Craig WF, Noe CE. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: an alternative to TENS in the management of sciatica. Pain 1999;83(2):193-9.
59. Godfrey 1984 {published data only} Godfrey CM, Morgan PP, Schatzeker J. A randomised trial of manipulation for low back pain in a medical setting. Spine 1984;9:301-4.
60. Graff-Radford 1989 {published data only} Graff-Radford S. B, Reeves JL, Baker RL, Chiu D. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on myofascial pain and trigger point sensitivity. Pain 1989;37:1-5.
61. Han 1991 {published data only} Han JS, Chen XH, Sun SL, Xu XJ, Yuan Y, Yan SC, et al. Effect of low- and high-frequency TENS on Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe and dynorphin A immunoreactivity in human lumbar CSF. Pain 1991;47:295-8.
62. Hedner 1996 {published data only} Hedner N, Milsom I, Eliasson T, Mannheimer C. TENS is effective in painful menstruation. Lakartidningen 1996;93:1219-22.
63. Herman 1994 {published data only} Herman E, Williams R, Stratford P, Fargas-Babjak A, Trott M. A randomized-controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (CODETRON) to determine its benefits in a rehabilitation program for acute occupational low back pain. Spine 1994;19:561-8.
64. Herrera-Lasso 1993 {published data only} Herrera-Lasso I, Mobarak L, Fernandez Dominguez L, Cardiel MH, Alarcon Segovia D. Comparative effectiveness of packages of treatment including ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in painful shoulder syndrome. Physiotherapy 1993;79:251-3.
65. Heydenreich 1988 {published data only} Heydenreich A. Punctate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in functional vertebragenic disorders and in migraine [Die punktformige transkutane elektrische nervenstimulation bei funktionellen vertebragenen storungen und bei der migrane]. Z Gesamte Inn Med 1988;43:651-3.
66. Heydenreich 1989a {published data only} Heydenreich A. Single point transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in a simple placebo comparison in migraine; a prospective randomized study [Punktformige transkutane elektrische nervenstimulation (PuTENS) iim einfachen placebovergleich bei der migrane]. Z Arztl Fortbild Jena 1989;83:881-3.
67. Heydenreich 1989b {published data only} Heydenreich A, Thiessen M. Comparison of the effectiveness of drug therapy, invasive and non invasive acupuncture in migraine [Effektivitatsvergleich zwischen medikamentoser therapie, invasiver und nichtinvasiver akupunktur bei der migrane]. Z Arztl Fortbild Jena 1989;83:877-9.
68. Heydenreich 1991 {published data only} Heydenreich A. Localized transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation with high voltage impulses in functional chronic headache and migraine [Die punktformige transkutane elektrische nervenstimulationmit hochvoltimpulsen (PuTENS) bei funktionellen chronischen kopfschmerzenund bei der migrane]. Z Arztl Fortbild Jena 1991;85:37-9.
69. Hsieh 1992 {published data only} Hsieh CYJ, Phillips RB, Adams AH, Pope MH. Functional outcomes of low back pain: comparison of four treatment groups in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1992;15:4-9.
70. Hsieh 2002 {published data only} Hsieh R, Lee W. One-shot percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: comparison of therapeutic effects. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2002;81:838-843.
71. Jeans 1979 {published data only} Jeans ME. Relief of chronic pain by brief, intense transcutaneous electrical stimulation - a double-bind study. Advances in Pain Research and Therapy 1979;3:601-6.
72. Johannsen 1993 {published data only} Johannsen F, Gam A, Hauschild B, Mathiesen B, Jensen L. Rebox: an adjunct in physical medicine?. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1993;74:438-40.
73. Kerr 2003 {published data only} Kerr D, Walsh D, Baxter D. Acupuncture in the management of chronic low back pain: a blinded randomized controlled trial. The Clinical Journal of Pain 2003;19:364-370.
74. Kibisa 2004 {published data only} Kibisa R, Krisciunas A, Sarauskaite J. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Medicina 2004;40:38-41.
75. Lang 2007 {published data only} Lang T, Barker R, Steinlechner B, Gustorff B, Puskas T, Gore O, Kober A. TENS relieves acute posttraumatic hip pain during emergency transport. The Journal of Trauma 2007;62:184-188.
76. Langley 1984 {published data only} Langley GB, Sheppeard H, Johnson M, Wigley RD. The analgesic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and placebo in chronic pain patients. A double blind non crossover comparison. Rheumatology International 1984;4:119-23.
77. Leandri 1990 {published data only} Leandri M, Parodi CI, Rigardo S. Comparison of TENS treatments in hemiplegic shoulder pain. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1990;22:69-72.
78. Lehmann 1983 {published data only} * Lehmann TR, Russell DW, Spratt KF. The impact of patients with non-organic physical findings on a controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electroacupuncture. Spine 1983;8(6):625-34.
79. Lehmann TR, Russell DW, Spratt KF, Colby H, Liu YK, Fairchild ML, Christensen S. Efficacy of electroacupuncture and TENS in the rehabilitation of chronic low back pain patients. Pain 1986;26:277-90.
80. Leo 1986 {published data only} Leo KC, Dostal WF, Bossen DG, Eldridge VL, Fairchild ML, Evans RE. Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation characteristics on clinical pain. Physical Therapy 1986;66:200-5.
81. Lewers 1989 {published data only} Lewers D, Clelland JA, Jackson JR, Varner RE, Bergman J. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the relief of primary dysmenorrhoea. Physical Therapy 1989;69:3/19-9/23.
82. Likar 2001 {published data only} Likar R, Molnar M, Pipam W, Koppert W, Quantschnigg B, Disselhoff B, Sittl R. Postoperative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS in shoulder surgery randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial. Schmerz 2001;15:158-163.
83. Linde 1995 {published data only} Linde C, Isacsson G, Jonsson BG. Outcome of 6-week treatment with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation compared with splint on symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction. Acta Odontology Scandinavica 1995;53:92-8.
84. Longobardi 1989 {published data only} Longobardi AG, Cleeland JA, Knowles CJ, Jackson JR. Effects of auricular transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on distal extremity pain: a pilot study. Physical Therapy 1989;69:10-17.
85. Lorenzana 1999 {published data only} Lorenzana FD. A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS versus lidocaine in the relief of episiotomy pain. Philippine journal of obstetrics & gynecology: official publication Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society 1999;23(4):135-142.
86. Lucisano 1989 {published data only} Lucisano S, Farri A, Roberto C. Clinical comparison between the effectiveness of flunarizina and TENS in the treatment of acouphenes. Otorinolaringologia 1989;39:495- 7.
87. Lundeberg 1984 {published data only} Lundeberg T. A comparative study of the pain alleviating effect of vibratory stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture and placebo. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1984;12:72-9.
88. Lundeberg 1985 {published data only} Lundeberg T, Bondesson L, Lundstrom V. Relief of primary dysmenorrhea by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Acta Obstetrica Gynecologica Scandinavica 1985;64:491-7.
89. Lux 1994 {published data only} Lux G. Acupuncture inhibits secretion of gastric acid: prospective randomised controlled study series with various acupuncture procedures. Fortschr Medicine 1994;112:36.
90. Macdonald 1995 {published data only} Macdonald AJR, Coates TW. The discovery of transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia and its relief of chronic pain. Physiotherapy 1995;81:653-61.
91. Machin 1988 {published data only} Machin D, Lewith GT, Wylson S. Pain measurement in randomized clinical trials. A comparison of two pain scales. Clinical Journal of Pain 1988;4:161-8.
92. Mannheimer 1978 {published data only} Mannheimer C, Lund S, Carlsson CA. The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) on joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology 1978;7:13-6.
93. Mannheimer 1982 {published data only} Mannheimer C, Carlsson CA, Ericson K. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in severe angina pectoris. European Heart Journal 1982;3:297-302.
94. Mannheimer 1984a {published data only} Mannheimer C, Carlsson CA, Vedin A, Wilhelmsson C. Treatment of angina pectoris with TENS. Lakartidningen 1984;81:779-81.
95. Mannheimer 1985a {published data only} Mannheimer C, Carlsson CA, Emanuelsson H. The effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with severe angina pectoris. Circulation 1985;71:308-316.
96. Mannheimer 1985b {published data only} Mannheimer JS, Whalen EC. The efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in dysmenorrhoea. Clinical Journal of Pain 1985;1:75-83.
97. Marchand 1993 {published data only} Marchand S, Charest J, Li J, Chenard JR, Lavignolle B, Laurencelle L. Is TENS purely a placebo effect? A controlled study on chronic low back pain [see comments]. Pain 1993;54:99-106.
98. Melzack 1980 {published data only} Melzack R, Jeans ME, Stratford JG, Monks RC. Ice massage and transcutaneous electrical stimulation: comparison of treatment for low back pain. Pain 1980;9:209-17.
99. Melzack 1983 {published data only} Melzack R, Vetere P, Finch L. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain. A comparison of TENS and massage for pain and range of motion. Physical Therapy 1983;63(4):489-93.
100. Milsom 1994 {published data only} Milsom I, Hedner N, Mannheimer C. A comparative study of the effect of high-intensity transcutaneous nerve stimulation and oral naproxen on intrauterine pressure andmenstrual pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1994;170:123-9.
101. Morgan 1996 {published data only} Morgan B, Jones AR, Mulcahy KA, Finlay DB, Collett B. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) during distension shoulder arthrography: A controlled trial. Pain 1996;64:265-7.
102. Naeser 2002 {published data only} Naeser M, Hahn K, Lieberman B, Branco K. Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: A controlled study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2002;83:978-988.
103. Neighbors 1987 {published data only} Neighbors LE, Clelland J, Jackson JR, Bergman J, Orr JJ. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief in primary dysmenorrhoea. Clinical Journal of Pain 1987;3:17-22.
104. Oncel 2002 {published data only} Oncel M, Sencan S, Yildiz H, Kurt N. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain management in patients with uncomplicated minor rib fractures. European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 2002;22:13-17.
105. Paker 2006 {published data only} Paker N, Tekdös D, Kesiktas N, Soy D. Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of TENS versus intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized study. Advances in Therapy 2006;23:342- 53.
106. Pope 1994 {published data only} Pope MH, Phillips RB, Haugh LD, Hsieh C, MacDonald L, Haldeman S. A prospective randomized three-week trial of spinal manipulation, transcutaneous muscle stimulation, massage and corset in the treatment of subacute low back pain. Spine 1994;19:2571-7.
107. Rakel 2003 {published data only} Rakel B, Frantz R. Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postoperative pain with movement. The Journal of Pain 2003;4:455-64.
108. Razavi 2004 {published data only} Razavi M, Jansen G. Effects of acupuncture and placebo TENS in addition to exercise in treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis. Clinical Rehabilitation 2004;18:872-8.
109. Reich 1989 {published data only} Reich BA. Non invasive treatment of vascular andmuscle contraction headache: a comparative longitudinal clinical study. Headache 1989;29:34-41.
110. Reichstein 2005 {published data only} Reichstein L, Labrenz S, Ziegler D, Martin S. Effective treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy by high- frequency external muscle stimulation. Diabetologia 2005;48:824-8.
111. Robinson 2001 {published data only} Robinson R, Darlow S, Wright SJ, Watters C, Carr I, Gadsby G, et al.Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation an effective analgesia during colonoscopy?. Postgraduate Medical Journal 2001;77:445-6.
112. Roche 1985 {published data only} Roche PA, Gijsbers K, Belch JJ, Forbes CD. Modification of haemophiliac haemorrhage pain by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Pain 1985;21:43-8.
113. Rutgers 1988 {published data only} Rutgers MJ, Van Romunde LKJ, Osman PO. A small randomized comparative trial of acupuncture versus transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation in postherpetic neuralgia. Pain Clinic 1988;2:87-9.
114. Scott 1994 {published data only} Scott B, Larsen HC, Lyttkens L, Melin L. An experimental evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) and applied relaxation (AR) on hearing ability, tinnitus and dizziness in patients with Meniere's disease. British Journal of Audiology 1994;28:131-40.
115. Solak 2007 {published data only} Solak O, Turna A, Pekcolaklar A, Metin M, Sayar A, Solak O, et al. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation for the treatment of postthoracotomy pain: a randomized prospective study. The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon 2007;55:182-5.
116. Sonde 1998 {published data only} Sonde, L, Gip C, Fernaeus SE, Nilsson CG, Viitanen M. Stimulation with low frequency (1.7Hz) transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (low-tens) increases motor function of the post-stroke paretic arm. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1998;30(2):95-9.
117. Sunshine 1996 {published data only} Sunshine W, Field TM, Quintino O, Fierro K, Kuhn C, Burman I, et al.Fibromyalgia benefits from massage therapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 1996;2:18-22.
118. Tekeoglu 1998 {published data only} Tekeoglu Y, Adak B, Goksoy T. Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on Barthel activities of daily living (ADL) index score following stroke. Clinics in Rehabilitation 1998;12:277-80.
119. Thomas 1995 {published data only} Thomas M, Lundeberg T, Bjork G, Lundstrom-Lindstedt V. Pain and discomfort in primary dysmenorrhoea is reduced by preemptive acupuncture or low frequency TENS. European Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1995;5:71-6.
120. Timm 1994 {published data only} Timm KE. A randomized-control study of active and passive treatments for chronic low back pain following L5 laminectomy. Journal of Orthopaedics Sports and Physical Therapy 1994;20:276-86.
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