Scientific Literature Overview
Musculoskeletal Pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain, fatigue and hyperalgesia while
restoring central inhibition in primary fibromyalgia.
Authors Dailey DL, Rakel BA, Vance CG, Liebano RE, Amrit AS, Bush HM, Lee KS, Lee JE, Sluka
KA.
Published Pain. 2013 Nov;154(11):2554-62.
Date Nov 2013
Place of
origin
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of
Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Background The cause of FM is unknown, but it is generally accepted that there is enhanced
central excitability and reduced pain inhibition.
TENS works by reducing central excitability and activating central inhibition
pathways.
Objective The primary aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of TENS on pain, fatigue
and function in a crossover study for patients with FM.
A secondary aim was to test the effect of TENS on central inhibition and
hyperalgesia as an indicator of central excitability.