Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2013 Aug 26;2013(8):CD004251.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004251.pub5.

Electrotherapy for neck pain

Peter Kroeling  1 , Anita Gross, Nadine Graham, Stephen J Burnie, Grace Szeto, Charles H Goldsmith, Ted Haines, Mario Forget
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Electrotherapy for neck pain

Peter Kroeling et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is common, disabling and costly. The effectiveness of electrotherapy as a physiotherapeutic option remains unclear. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2005 and previously updated in 2009.

Objectives: This systematic review assessed the short, intermediate and long-term effects of electrotherapy on pain, function, disability, patient satisfaction, global perceived effect, and quality of life in adults with neck pain with and without radiculopathy or cervicogenic headache.

Search methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL, and ICL, without language restrictions, from their beginning to August 2012; handsearched relevant conference proceedings; and consulted content experts.

Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in any language, investigating the effects of electrotherapy used primarily as unimodal treatment for neck pain. Quasi-RCTs and controlled clinical trials were excluded.

Data collection and analysis: We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. We were unable to statistically pool any of the results, but we assessed the quality of the evidence using an adapted GRADE approach.

Main results: Twenty small trials (1239 people with neck pain) containing 38 comparisons were included. Analysis was limited by trials of varied quality, heterogeneous treatment subtypes and conflicting results. The main findings for reduction of neck pain by treatment with electrotherapeutic modalities were as follows.Very low quality evidence determined that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) were more effective than placebo, while transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed inconsistent results.Very low quality evidence determined that PEMF, rMS and TENS were more effective than placebo.Low quality evidence (1 trial, 52 participants) determined that permanent magnets (necklace) were no more effective than placebo (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.27, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.82, random-effects model).Very low quality evidence showed that modulated galvanic current, iontophoresis and electric muscle stimulation (EMS) were not more effective than placebo.There were four trials that reported on other outcomes such as function and global perceived effects, but none of the effects were of clinical importance. When TENS, iontophoresis and PEMF were compared to another treatment, very low quality evidence prevented us from suggesting any recommendations. No adverse side effects were reported in any of the included studies.

Authors' conclusions: We cannot make any definite statements on the efficacy and clinical usefulness of electrotherapy modalities for neck pain. Since the evidence is of low or very low quality, we are uncertain about the estimate of the effect. Further research is very likely to change both the estimate of effect and our confidence in the results. Current evidence for PEMF, rMS, and TENS shows that these modalities might be more effective than placebo. When compared to other interventions the quality of evidence was very low thus preventing further recommendations.Funding bias should be considered, especially in PEMF studies. Galvanic current, iontophoresis, EMS, and a static magnetic field did not reduce pain or disability. Future trials on these interventions should have larger patient samples, include more precise standardization, and detail treatment characteristics.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

No conflicts of interest known

Figures

1
1
Study flow diagram.
2
2
Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each item for each included study.
3
3
Forest plot of comparison: 4 TENS versus placebo or sham, outcome: 4.1 pain intensity at post‐treatment.
4
4
Forest plot of comparison: 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, outcome: 8.4 pain intensity at IT (6‐month) follow‐up.
5
5
Forest plot of comparison: 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, outcome: 8.5 function at IT (6‐month) follow‐up.
6
6
Forest plot of comparison: 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, outcome: 8.6 patient satisfaction at post‐treatment.
7
7
Forest plot of comparison: 12 Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) versus placebo ultrasound, outcome: 12.2 pain and function at ST follow‐up.
8
8
Forest plot of comparison: 13 Static magnetic field (necklace) versus placebo, outcome: 13.1 pain intensity at post‐treatment.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Modulated Galvanic current versus placebo, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Modulated Galvanic current versus placebo, Outcome 2 patient rated improvement at post treatment.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Iontophoresis versus no treatment, Outcome 1 neck pain at post treatment.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Iontophoresis versus no treatment, Outcome 2 headache at post treatment.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Iontophoresis versus comparison, Outcome 1 neck pain at post treatment.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 TENS versus placebo or sham, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 TENS versus placebo or sham, Outcome 2 pain intensity at ST follow‐up.
4.3
4.3. Analysis
Comparison 4 TENS versus placebo or sham, Outcome 3 pressure pain threshold at post treatment.
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 TENS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5 TENS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 2 pain intensity at IT (6 month) follow‐up.
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 2 pain at IT (5 month) follow‐up.
6.3
6.3. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 3 function at post treatment.
6.4
6.4. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 4 function at IT (5 month) follow‐up.
6.5
6.5. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 5 QoL at post treatment.
6.6
6.6. Analysis
Comparison 6 TENS versus comparison, Outcome 6 QoL at IT (5 month) follow‐up.
7.1
7.1. Analysis
Comparison 7 EMS versus placebo, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
7.2
7.2. Analysis
Comparison 7 EMS versus placebo, Outcome 2 pressure pain threshold at post treatment.
8.1
8.1. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 1 pain intensity at IT (6month) follow‐up.
8.2
8.2. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 2 function at IT (6 months) follow‐up.
8.3
8.3. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 3 patient satisfaction at post treatment.
8.4
8.4. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 4 pain intensity at IT (6month) follow‐up.
8.5
8.5. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 5 function at IT (6 months) follow‐up.
8.6
8.6. Analysis
Comparison 8 EMS + another intervention versus that same intervention, Outcome 6 patient satisfaction at post treatment.
9.1
9.1. Analysis
Comparison 9 EMS (inferential current) versus no treatment, Outcome 1 neck pain at post treatment.
9.2
9.2. Analysis
Comparison 9 EMS (inferential current) versus no treatment, Outcome 2 headache at post treatment.
10.1
10.1. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
10.2
10.2. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 2 pain intensity at ST follow‐up.
10.3
10.3. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 3 function at post treatment.
10.4
10.4. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 4 function at ST follow‐up.
10.5
10.5. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 5 global percieved effect at post treatment.
10.6
10.6. Analysis
Comparison 10 PEMF (low frequency) versus sham, Outcome 6 global percieved effect at ST follow‐up.
11.1
11.1. Analysis
Comparison 11 PEMF (low frequency) versus comparison, Outcome 1 neck pain at post treatment.
12.1
12.1. Analysis
Comparison 12 Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) versus placebo ultrasound, Outcome 1 pain/function at post treatment.
12.2
12.2. Analysis
Comparison 12 Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) versus placebo ultrasound, Outcome 2 pain/function at ST follow‐up.
12.3
12.3. Analysis
Comparison 12 Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) versus placebo ultrasound, Outcome 3 headache at post treatment.
13.1
13.1. Analysis
Comparison 13 Static magnetic field (necklace) versus placebo, Outcome 1 pain intensity at post treatment.
13.2
13.2. Analysis
Comparison 13 Static magnetic field (necklace) versus placebo, Outcome 2 global perceived effect at post treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

Chiu 2005 {published data only}
    1. Chiu TW, Hui‐Chan C, Cheing G. A randomized clinical trial of TENS and exercise for patients with chronic neck pain. Clinical Rehabilitation 2005;19:850‐60. - PubMed
Escortell‐Mayor 2011 {published data only}
    1. Escortell E. Manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with neck pain. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01153737 Feb 2011.
    1. Escortell‐Major E, Lebrijo‐Perez G, Perez‐Martin Y, Asunsolo‐del Barco, Riesgo‐Fuertes R, Saa‐Requejo C, por el Gruppo TEMA‐TENS. Randomized clinical trial for primary care patients with neck pain: manual therapy versus electrical stimulation [Ensayo clinico aleatorizado en pacientes con cervicalgia mecanica en atencion primaria: terapia manual frente a electroestimulacion nerviosa transcutanea]. Atención Primaria 2008;40(7):337‐43. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Escortell‐Mayor E, Riesgo‐Fuertes R, Garrido‐Elustondo S, Asunsolo‐del Barco A, Diaz‐Pulido B, Blanco‐Diaz M, Bejerano‐Alvarez E and TEMA‐TENS Group. Primary care randomized clinical trial: Manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with TENS in patients with neck pain. Manual Therapy 2011;16:66‐73. - PubMed
Farina 2004 {published data only}
    1. Farina S, Casarotto M, Benelle M, Tinassi M, Fiaschi A, Goldoni M, et al. A randomized controlled study on the effect of two different treatments in myofascial pain syndrome. Europa Medicophysica 2004;40:293‐301. - PubMed
Fialka 1989 {published data only}
    1. Fialka V, Preisinger E, Bohler A. Zur physikalischen diagnostik und physikalischen therapie der distorsio columnae vertebralis cervicalis. Zeitschrift fur physikalische Medizin, Balneologie, medizinische Klimatologie 1989;18:390‐7.
Flynn 1987 {published data only}
    1. Flynn T. A comparative study between UltraReiz and Ultrasound in the treatment for relief of pain in whiplash injuries. Physiotherapy Ireland 1987;8(1):11‐4.
Foley‐Nolan 1990 {published data only}
    1. Foley‐Nolan D, Barry C, Coughlan RJ, O'Connor P, Roden D. Pulsed high frequency (27MHz) electromagnetic therapy for persistent neck pain: A double blind, placebo‐controlled study of 20 patients. Orthopaedics 1990;13:445‐51. - PubMed
Foley‐Nolan 1992 {published data only}
    1. Foley‐Nolan D, Moore K, Codd M, Barry C, O'Connaor P, Coughlan RJ. Low energy high frequency pulsed electromagnetic therapy for acute whiplash injuries. A double blind randomized controlled study. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1992;24(1):51‐9. - PubMed
Hendriks 1996 {published data only}
    1. Hendriks O, Horgan A. Ultra‐reiz current as an adjunct to standard physiotherapy treatment of the acute whiplash patient. Physiotherapy Ireland 1996;17(1):13‐7.
Hong 1982 {published data only}
    1. Hong CZ, Lin JC, Bender LF, Schaeffer JN, Meltzer RJ, Causin P. Magnetic necklace: Its therapeutic effectiveness on neck and shoulder pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1982;63:462‐6. - PubMed
Hou 2002 {published data only}
    1. Hou CR, Tsai LC, Cheng KF, Chung KC, Hong CZ. Immediate effects of various physical therapeutic modalities on cervical myofascial pain and trigger point sensitivity. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2002;83:1406‐14. - PubMed
Hsueh 1997 {published data only}
    1. Hsueh TC, Cheng PT, Kuan TS, Hong CZ. The immediate effectiveness of electrical nerve stimulation and electrical muscle stimulation on myofascial trigger points. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1997;76:471‐6. - PubMed
Hurwitz 2002 {published data only}
    1. Hurwitz EL, Morgenstern H, Harber P, Kominski GF, Yu F, Adams AH. A randomized trial of chiropractic manipulation and mobilization for patients with neck pain: clinical outcomes from the UCLA Neck Pain Study. American Journal of Public Health 2002;92(10):1634‐41. - PMC - PubMed
Nordemar 1981 {published data only}
    1. Nordemar R, Thorner C. Treatment of acute cervical pain ‐ A comparative group study. Pain 1981;10:93‐101. - PubMed
Philipson 1983 {published data only}
    1. Philipson T, Haagensen N, Laumann V, Nies M, Thorup K, Hansen TI. The effect of diadynamic current on chronic soft‐tissue pain in the neck and shoulder girdle [Effekten af diadynamisk stroem pa kroniske bloeddelsmerter i nakke‐skulderaget]. Ugeskrift for Laeger 1983;145:479‐81. [(Danish, translated)] - PubMed
Sahin 2011 {published data only}
    1. Lidia L, Shklar B, Kesner Baruch Y, Raz R, Gabis E, Geva D. Effect of different transcutaneous electrical stimulation modalities on cervical myofascial pain syndrome. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2011;41:256–61.
Smania 2003 {published data only}
    1. Smania N, Corato E, Fiaschi A, Pietropoli P, Aglioti S, Tinazzi M. Therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation on myofascial pain syndrome. Clinical Neurophysiology 2003;114:350‐8. - PubMed
Smania 2005 {published data only}
    1. Smania N, Corato E, Fiaschi A, Pietropoli P, Aglioti SM, Tinazzi M. Repetetive magnetic stimulation: a novel therapeutic approach for myofascial pain syndrome. Journal of Neurology 2005;252:307‐14. - PubMed
Sutbeyaz 2006 {published data only}
    1. Sutbeyaz ST, Sezer N, Kuseoglu BF. The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis: a randomized, double‐blind, sham controlled study. Rheumatology International 2006;26:320‐4. - PubMed
Thuile 2002 {published data only}
    1. Thuile CH, Walzi M. Evaluation of electromagnetic fields in the treatment of pain in patients with lumbar radiculopathy or the whiplash syndrome. NeuroRehabilitation 2002;17:63‐7. - PubMed
Trock 1994 {published data only}
    1. Trock DH, Bollet AJ, Markoll R. The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and the cervical spine. Report of randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials. Journal of Rheumatology 1994;21(10):1903‐11. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Ammer 1990 {published data only}
    1. Ammer K, Rathkolb O. Physical therapy in occipital headaches [Physikalische Therapie bei Hinterhauptschmerzen]. Manual Medizin 1990;28:65‐8.
Chee 1986 {published data only}
    1. Chee E, Walter H. Treatment of trigger point with microamperage transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) ‐ (The electro‐acuscope 80). Journal Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1986;9(2):131‐4. - PubMed
Chen 2007 {published data only}
    1. Chen L, Zhang X, Ding H, Tao Y, Zhan H. Comparative study on effects of manipulation treatment and TENS on patients with cervicogenic headache [Chinese language]. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine 2007;5(4):403‐6. - PubMed
Coletta 1988 {published data only}
    1. Coletta R, Maggiolo F, Tizio S. Etofenamate and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment of painful spinal syndromes. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research 1988;8(4):295‐8. - PubMed
Dusunceli 2009 {published data only}
    1. Dusunceli Y, Ozturk C, Atamaz F, Hepguler S, Durmaz B. Efficacy of neck stabilisation exercises for neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2009;41:626‐31. - PubMed
Fernadez‐de‐las Penas2004 {published data only}
    1. Fernandez‐de‐las‐Penas C, Fernandez‐Carnero J, Palomque del Cerro L, Miangolarra‐Page JC. Manipulative treatment vs. conventional physiotherapy treatment in whiplash injury: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Whiplash & Related Disorders 2004;3(2):73‐90.
Forestier 2007a {published and unpublished data}
    1. Forestier R, Francon A, Saint‐Arromand F, Bertolino C, Guillemot A, Graber‐Duvernay B, et al. Are SPA therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effective for chronic neck pain? Randomized clinical trial. First part: clinical evaluation. Annales de Readaptation et de Medecine Physique 2007;50:140‐7. - PubMed
Forestier 2007b {published and unpublished data}
    1. Forestier R, Francon A, Saint AF, Bertolino C, Graber‐Duvernay B, Guillemot A, et al. Are spa therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effective for chronic neck pain? Randomized clinical trial. Second part: medicoeconomic approach. Annales de Readaptation et de Medecine Physique 2007;50:148‐53. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Gabis 2003 {published data only}
    1. Gabis L, Shklar B, Geva D. Immediate influence of transcranial electrostimulation on pain and beta‐endorphin blood levels. An active placebo controlled study. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2003;82:81‐5. - PubMed
Gabis 2009 {published data only}
    1. Gabis L, Shklar B, Kesner Baruch Y, Raz R, Gabis E, Geva D. Pain reduction using transcranial electrostimulation: a double blind, active placebo controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2009;41:256–61. - PubMed
Garrido‐Elustondo 2010 {published data only}
    1. Garrido‐Elustondo S, Riesgo‐Fuertes R, Escortell‐Mayor E, Asunsolo del Barco A, Perez‐Martin Y, Martin‐Castro B. Satisfaction of patients with mechanical neck disorders attended to by primary care physical therapists. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 2010;16:445‐50. - PubMed
Gemmell 2011 {published data only}
    1. Gemmell H, Hilland A. Immediate effect of electric point stimulation (TENS) in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points: a double blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2011;15:348‐54. - PubMed
Gonzales‐Iglesias 2009 {published data only}
    1. Gonzales‐Iglesias J, Fernandez de‐Las ‐Penas C, Cleland J, Albuquerque‐Sendin F, Palomeque‐del‐Cerro L, Mendez‐Sanchez R. Inclusion of thoracic spine thrust manipulation into an electrotherapy/thermal program for the management of patients with acute mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. Manual Therapy 2009;14:306‐13. - PubMed
Hansson 1983 {published data only}
    1. Hansson P, Ekblom A. TENS as compared to placebo TENS for relief of acute oro‐facial pain. Pain 1983;15:157‐65. - PubMed
Jahanshahi 1991 {published data only}
    1. Jahanshahi M, Sartory G, Marsden CD. EMG biofeedback treatment of torticollis: a controlled outcome study. Biofeedback and Self‐Regulation 1991;16(4):413‐48. [CO97:359] - PubMed
Klaber‐Moffett 2005 {published data only}
    1. Klaber‐Moffett JA, Jackson DA, Richmond S, Hahn S, Coulton S, Farrin A, et al. Randomized trial of a brief physiotherapy intervention compared with usual physiotherapy for neck pain patients: outcomes and patients preference. BMJ 2005;75‐:1‐6. [doi: 10.1136/bmj.38268.82 (published 7 December 2004)] - PMC - PubMed
Lee 1997 {published data only}
    1. Lee JC, Lin DT, Hong CZ. The effectiveness of simultaneous thermotherapy with ultrasound and electrotherapy with combined AC and DC current on the immediate pain relief of myofascial trigger points. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 1997;5(1):81‐90.
Persson 2001 {published data only}
    1. Persson LCG, Carlsson CA, Carlsson JY. Long‐lasting cervical radicular pain managed with surgery, physiotherapy or a cervical collar. Spine 1997;22(7):751‐8. - PubMed
    1. Persson LCG, Lilja A. Pain, coping, emotional state and physical function in patients with chronic radicular neck pain. A comparison between patients treated with surgery, physiotherapy or neck collar. A blinded, prospective randomized study. Disability and Rehabilitation 2001;23(8):325‐35. - PubMed
    1. Persson LCG, Moritz U, Brandt L, Carlsson CA. Cervical radiculopathy: pain, muscle weakness and sensory loss in patients with cervical radiculopathy treated with surgery physiotherapy or cervical collar. European Spine Journal 1997;6(4):265‐6. - PMC - PubMed
Porzio 2000 {published data only}
    1. Porzio F. Use of thermomagnetic bandages and belts in cervical and lumbar pain syndromes. Experimental study with double blind method versus placebo [Impiege di fasce e cinture termomagnetice nelle sindromi dolorose cervicali e lombari. Studio sperimentale con il metodo della doppia cecita vs. placebo]. La Clinica Terapeutica 2000;151:140‐53. - PubMed
Provinciali 1996 {published data only}
    1. Provinciali L, Baroni M, Illuminati L, Ceravolo MG. Multimodal treatment to prevent the late whiplash syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1996;28:105‐11. - PubMed
Rigato 2002 {published data only}
    1. Rigato M, Battisti E, Fortunato M, Giordano N. Comparison between the analgesic and therapeutic effects of a musically modulated electromagnetic field (TAMMEF) and those of a 100 Hz electromagnetic field: blind experiment on patients suffering from cervical spondylosis or shoulder periarthritis. Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology 2002;26(6):253‐8. - PubMed
Vas 2006 {published data only}
    1. Vas J, Perea‐Milla E, Mendez C, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic uncomplicated neck pain: A randomized controlled study. Pain 2006;126:245‐55. - PubMed
Vikne 2007 {published data only}
    1. Vikne J, Oedegaard A, Laerum E, Ihlebaek C, Kirkesola G. A randomized study of new sling exercise treatment vs traditional physiotherapy for patients with chronic whiplash‐associated disorders with unsettled compensation claims. Journal Rehabilitation Medicine 2007;39:252‐9. - PubMed
Vitiello 2007 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Vitiello AL, Bonello RP, Pollard HP. The effectiveness of ENAR(R) for the treatment of chronic neck pain in Australian adults: A preliminary single blind, randomized controlled trial. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2007;15(9):1‐11. - PMC - PubMed
Wang 2007 {published data only}
    1. Wang Z, Chen L, Zhu W. Observation on the transient analgesic effect of abdominal acupuncture TENS on neck pain, shoulder, loin and legs. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2007;27(9):657‐9. - PubMed
Wilson 1974 {published data only}
    1. Wilson DH. Comparison of short wave diathermy and pulsed electromagnetic energy in treatment of soft tissue injuries. Physiotherapy 1974;60(10):309‐11. - PubMed
Yip 2007 {published data only}
    1. Yip YB, Tse HS, Wu KK. An experimental study comparing the effects of combined transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation and electromagnetic millimeter waves for spinal pain in Hong Kong. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 2007;13:4‐14. - PubMed

References to ongoing studies

Guayasamín 2013 {unpublished data only}
    1. Guayasamín I. Study of clinical documentation, controlled, double‐blind, randomized, multicenter, designed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of fixed combination of thiocolchicoside plus diclofenac potassium in reduction of acute painful muscle contracture. http://rpcec.sld.cu/trials/RPCEC00000162‐En (accessed 21 August 2013).
Taniguchi 2010 {unpublished data only}
    1. Taniguchi N, Kanai S. Effect of neck‐type magnetotherapeutic device (magneloop) for neck and shoulder pain. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. Proceedings of the 14th Congress of Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology; 2010 July 11‐15, Hong Kong. 2010; Vol. 13:230.
Triano 2009 {unpublished data only}
    1. Triano JJ. Efficacy of the InterX 5000 in the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain. http://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT01382537 (accessed 21 August 2013).
    1. Woodhouse L, Triano J. Proposal to evaluate the efficacy of the InterX5000 in the treatment of chronic neck and shoulder pain [Industry Partner Grant: $100,000]. Neuro Group Inc 2007‐06/2009‐05; Vol. McMaster University, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, issue Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Weintraub 2007 {unpublished data only}
    1. Weintraub MI. Study on Magnetic Field Therapy to Improve Quality of Sleep and Reduction of Chronic Spine Pain (SLEEP/MAG). http://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00445133. (accessed 21 August 2013).

Additional references

Atkins 2004
    1. Atkins D, Best D, Briss PA, et al. GRADE working group. Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ 2004;328(7454):1490. - PMC - PubMed
Boutron 2005
    1. Boutron I, Moher D, Tugwell P, Giraudeau B, Poiraudeau S, Nizard R, et al. A checklist to evaluate a report of a non pharmacological trial (CLEAR NPT) was developed using consensus. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2005;58:1233‐40. - PubMed
Cameron 1999
    1. Cameron MH (editor). Physical agents in rehabilitation. From research to practice. 1st Edition. Philadelphia, New York, London: WB Saunders Company, 1999.
Carroll 2008a
    1. Carroll LJ, Hogg‐Johnson S, Velde G, Haldeman S, Holm LW, Carragee EJ, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000‐2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(4S):S75‐S82. - PubMed
Carroll 2008b
    1. Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Hogg‐Johnson S, Côté P, Cassidy JD, Haldeman S, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD); results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000‐2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; Vol. 33, issue 4S:S83‐92. - PubMed
Cohen 1988
    1. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioural sciences. 2nd Edition. Hilldale, NY: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1988.
Côté 1998
    1. Côté P, Cassidy D, Corroll L. The Saskatchewan health and back pain survey. The prevalence of neck pain and related disability in Saskatchewan adults. Spine 1998;23(15):1689‐98. - PubMed
Côté 2008
    1. Côté P, Kristman V, Vidmar M, Eerd D, Hogg‐Johnson S, Beaton D, et al. The prevalence and incidence of work absenteeism involving neck pain. A cohort of Ontario lost‐time claimants. Spine 2008;33(4S):S192‐8. - PubMed
Davis 2012
    1. Davis MA, Onega T, Weeks WB, Lurie JD. Where the United States spends Its spine dollars expenditures on different ambulatory services for the management of back and neck conditions. Spine 2012;37(19):1693‐701. - PMC - PubMed
Furlan 2009
    1. Furlan AD, Pennick V, Bombardier C, van Tulder MW on behalf of the Cochrane Back Review Group Editorial Board. Updated method guidelines for systematic reviews in the Cochrane Back Review Group. Spine 2009 in press. - PubMed
Gross 2002
    1. Gross A, Kay T, Kennedy C, Gasner D, Hurley L, Yardley K, Hendry L. Clinical practice guideline on the use of manipulation or mobilization in the treatment of adults with mechanical neck disorder. Manual Therapy 2002;7(4):193‐205. - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 www.cochrane‐handbook.org. The Cochrane Collaboration, March 2011 (updated).
Hogg‐Johnson 2008
    1. Hogg‐Johnson S, Velde G, Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Cassidy JD, Guzman J, et al. The burden and determinants of neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000‐2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(4S):S39‐S51. - PubMed
Hulme 2002
    1. Hulme J, Robinson V, DeBie R, Wells G, Judd M, Tugwell P. Electromagnetic fields for treatment of osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003523] - DOI - PubMed
Kendal 1963
    1. Kendal MG, Stuart A. The advanced theory of statistics: Distribution theory. 2nd Edition. Vol. 1, New York: Hofner Publishing Co., 1963:237.
Kroeling 1998
    1. Kroeling P, Gottschild S, Kosarev A, Pfeiffer R. TENS increases the pressure pain threshold in a tibia model. Kepplinger B (editor): Pain: clinical aspects and therapeutical issues. Linz: Edition Selva, 1998.
Landis 1977
    1. Landis RJ, Koch GG. The measure of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics 1977;33:159‐74. - PubMed
Leaver 2010
    1. Leaver AM, Refshauge KM, Maher CG, McAuley JH. Conservative interventions provide short‐term relief for non‐specific neck pain: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy 2010;56(2):73‐85. - PubMed
MacDermid 2009
    1. MacDermid JC, Walton DM, Avery S, Blanchard A, Etruw E, McAlpine C. Measurement properties of the neck disability index: a systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2009;39(5):400‐17. - PubMed
NRC 2001
    1. National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington DC, 2001.
Olesen 1988
    1. Olesen J. Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain. Cephalgia 1988;8(7):61‐2. - PubMed
Olesen 1997
    1. Olesen J, Gobel H. ICD‐10 Guide for Headaches. Guide to the classification, diagnosis and assessment of headaches in accordance with the tenth revision of the international classification of diseases and related health problems and its application to neurology. Cephalgia 1997;17 Suppl 19:29‐30.
Pujol 1998
    1. Pujol J, Pascual‐Leone A, Dolz C, Delgado E, Dolz JL, Aldomà J. The effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation on localized musculoskeletal pain. Neuroreport 1998;9(8):1745‐8. - PubMed
Schmidt‐Rohlfing 2000
    1. Schmidt‐Rohlfing B, Silny J, Niethard FU. Pulsating electromagnetic fields in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases: a review and meta‐analysis [Pulsierende elektromagnetische Felder in der Behandlung von Verletzungen und Erkrankungen der Bewegungsorgane ‐ eine Übersicht und Metaanalyse]. Zeitschrift fur Orthopadie und ihre Grenzgebiete 2000;138:379‐89. - PubMed
Schumacher 1993
    1. Schumacher HR, Klippel JH, Koopman WJ (eds). Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 10th Edition. Atlanta: Arthritis Foundation, 1993.
Sjaastad 1990
    1. Sjaastad O, Fredriksen TA, Pfaffenrath V. Cervicogenic Headache: Diagnostic criteria. Headache 1990;30:725‐6. - PubMed
Spitzer 1987
    1. Spitzer WO, Leblanc FE, Dupuis M. Scientific approach to the assessment and management of activity related spinal disorders. Spine 1987;Suppl 7:S1‐S59. - PubMed
Spitzer 1995
    1. Spitzer WO, Skovron ML, Salmi LR, Cassidy JD, Duranceau J, Suissa S, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebeck Task Force on Whiplash‐Associated Disorders: Redefining "whiplash" and its management. Spine 1995;Suppl:1S‐73S. - PubMed
Stucki 2000
    1. Stucki G, Kroeling P. Physical therapy and rehabilitation in the management of rheumatic disorders. Baillieres Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology 2000;14(4):751‐71. - PubMed
Stucki 2007
    1. Stucki G, Kroeling P. In: Hochberg M, Silman A, Smolen J, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH editor(s). Rheumatology. 4th Edition. Vol. 1, Edinburgh: Mosby, 2007:557‐568.
Tan 1998
    1. Tan JC. Practical manual of physical medicine and rehabilitation. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, 1998.
Teasell 2010
    1. Teasell RW, McClure JA, Walton D, Pretty J, Salter K, Meyer M, et al. A research synthesis of therapeutic interventions for whiplash‐associated disorder: Part 2 ‐ interventions for acute WAD. Pain Research and Management (Canadian Pain Society) 2010;15(5):295‐304. - PMC - PubMed
US Census Bureau 1996
    1. United States Census Bureau. Statistical Abstract of the United States 1996. US Bureau of Census. 116. Washington DC: US Bureau of Census, 1996.
US Census Bureau 2012
    1. US Census Bureau. The 2012 Statistical Abstract of U.S. The National Data Book <www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html>;Section 3: Health and Nutrician:132 (retrieved 2013‐01‐16).
van Tulder 2003
    1. Tulder M, Furlan A, Bombardier C, Bouter L. Updated method guidelines for systematic reviews in the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group. Spine 2003;28(12):1290‐9. - PubMed
Walsh 1997
    1. Walsh DM. TENS: Clinical applications and related theory. New York: Churchill Livingston, 1997.

References to other published versions of this review

Kroeling 2005
    1. Kroeling P, Gross AR, Goldsmith CH and the Cervical Overview Group. A Cochrane review of electrotherapy for mechanical neck disorders. Spine 2005;30(21):E641‐8. - PubMed
Kroeling 2009
    1. Kroeling P, Gross A, Goldsmith CH, Burnie SJ, Haines T, Graham N, Brant A . Electrotherapy for neck pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004251.pub4] - DOI - PubMed

Publication types