Use of self-applied TENS for low back pain in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of self-applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for low back pain in a population of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In total, 15 participants diagnosed with MS (aged 37–71 years) presenting with low back pain were recruited and randomized into two active TENS groups and a placebo group under double-blind conditions (n=5 per group). Treatment involved self-application of TENS on a daily basis for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were recorded at weeks 1, 6, 10 and 32. Statistical analysis indicated significant changes in the McGill Pain Questionnaire affective subsection (P=0.01) throughout the trial. However, trends observed seem to indicate an improvement in both active TENS groups during the treatment period, with differential improvement maintained into the follow-up period. The findings of this study thus warrant further investigation by means of a randomized, controlled clinical trial within this population.