Effect of Different Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Modalities on Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacies of different therapeutic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] types and placebo TENS on pain syndrome in cervical myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] and to determine the superior method.

Methods

Patients recruited in the study were randomized into four groups. Group 1 was treated with a conventional TENS with a frequency of 100 Hz, 40 µs duration, low amplitude; Group 2 with an acupuncture-like TENS with a frequency of 4 Hz, 250 µs duration, high amplitude; Group 3 with burst TENS with high [100 Hz] and low [2 Hz] frequency, 40 µs and high amplitude. Group 4 was treated with an electrical stimulation until the patient felt it. Then the electrical current was interrupted, but the patient was told the current was proceeding and he/she did not feel it any more since he/she had gotten used to it. All groups were treated with a total of 10 therapies with 30-minute sessions three times a week. Patients were assessed with a visual analog scale and the bodily pain subscale of the Short Form Health Survey-36 scale before and after treatment.

Results

Eighty patients participated in the study. Before and after treatment, intra-groups and inter-groups evaluations of all groups showed that there was no significant progression in both scales [P > 0.05].

Conclusions

In conclusion, it was observed that none of the TENS types was superior to another or placebo. As a result of this outcome, it was thought that TENS alone has no role in cervical MPS therapy.

Keywords:

• Myofascial pain syndrome
• treatment
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• cervical pain
• physical modality

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.