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Review
. 2014 May;4(3):197-209.
doi: 10.2217/pmt.14.13.

Using TENS for pain control: the state of the evidence

Carol G T Vance  1 , Dana L Dailey, Barbara A Rakel, Kathleen A Sluka
Affiliations
Review

Using TENS for pain control: the state of the evidence

Carol G T Vance et al. Pain Manag. 2014 May.

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmacological intervention that activates a complex neuronal network to reduce pain by activating descending inhibitory systems in the central nervous system to reduce hyperalgesia. The evidence for TENS efficacy is conflicting and requires not only description but also critique. Population-specific systemic reviews and meta-analyses are emerging, indicating both HF and LF TENS being shown to provide analgesia, specifically when applied at a strong, nonpainful intensity. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical review of the latest basic science and clinical evidence for TENS. Additional research is necessary to determine if TENS has effects specific to mechanical stimuli and/or beyond reduction of pain and will improve activity levels, function and quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

References

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    1. Radhakrishnan R, Sluka KA. Deep tissue afferents, but not cutaneous afferents, mediate TENS-induced antihyperalgesia. J. Pain. 2005;6:673–680. •• ‘Transcutaneous’ may be a misnomer as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) induced anti-hyperalgesia is mediated by deep tissue afferents. Animal study showing that anesthetic applied to the skin has no effect on the analgesia produced by TENS while anesthetic within the knee joint prevents the analgesia produced by TENS.

    1. Desantana JM, Da Silva LF, De Resende MA, Sluka KA. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at both high and low frequencies activates ventrolateral periaqueductal grey to decrease mechanical hyperalgesia in arthritic rats. Neuroscience. 2009;163(4):1233–1241. - PMC - PubMed
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    1. Sluka KA, Deacon M, Stibal A, et al. Spinal blockade of opioid receptors prevents the analgesia produced by TENS in arthritic rats. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1999;289:840–846. - PubMed

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