Effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with degenerative disc disease in lumbosacral spine.

BACKGROUND The study sought to evaluate the impact of long-term TENS therapy on pain relief in patients with degenerative disc disease in the lumbosacral spine. MATERIAL AND METHOD The study involved 39 patients with lumbosacral pain who were receiving treatment in the Regional Hospital No 2 in Rzeszów and in Winsen Hospital. The experimental group consisted of 16 patients who were fitted with L-S orthoses with a built-in OmniTens plus mini-device for long-term application (3 times a day, for 20 minutes) of TENS currents with a frequency of 35 Hz and impulse duration of 150µsec. The control group consisted of 23 patients who received conventional TENS therapy once a day for 20 minutes, with a frequency of 35 Hz and impulse duration of 150 µsec. The results were assessed with the Oswestry Questionnaire, a visual analogue scale (VAS), as well as Schober's Test. Tests were performed before and on completion of the therapy. RESULTS All participants reported pain relief and improved spinal function and mobility. Statistically significant differences were obtained in the group of patients treated with low frequency pulsed TENS currents administered via the orthosis. CONCLUSIONS 1. TENS therapy contributed to pain relief and improvement of function and mobility of the lumbosacral spine 2. Representing an appropriate and effective technique, TENS stimulation via an orthosis should be more commonly prescribed.