Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in acute versus chronic low back pain

Abstract

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a common disabling health problem. We aimed to compare the efficacy of using transcutaneous electric stimulation (TENS) in alleviating pain and restoring function in patients with acute versus chronic LBP. Subjects and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups acute and chronic, (n=50 in each). TENS was applied for a total of 10 sessions over a period of 2 weeks. Activity and resting visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and hand finger floor distance (HFFD) values were recorded at baseline and at one month after therapy. Results: Improvement in both groups after one month of use was observed in activity and resting VAS scores, as well as RDQ scores (p < 0.05, more in the chronic group). Improvement in ODI and HFFD was only noted in the chronic group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TENS use is more beneficial in patients with chronic compared to acute LBP especially when it comes to physical function.