Effects of a Single Application of ScenarTM, a Low-Frequency Modulated Electric Current Therapy, for Pain Relief in Patients with Low Back and Neck Pain: A Randomized Single Blinded Trial

Abstract

We aimed to demonstrate the antalgic effectiveness of Scenar^TM (Self-Controlled Electro Neuro Adaptative Regulation) in patients experiencing low back and neck pain. Sixty patients were included and equally assigned by randomization to a Scenar-On group and to a Scenar-Off group (sham group). All patients received a 20 min application of Scenar^TM on the area where they experienced pain. The pain at rest and during movement and the sensation of stiffness were assessed using a numeric rating scale at baseline, immediately after the session and 24 h after the session. The patients' characteristics at entry were similar between groups. The pain at rest decreased after the session in both groups (from 8 (4) to 5.0 (3) in the Scenar-Off group, p = 0.0001, and from 7 (3) to 4 (4) in the Scenar-On group, p < 0.0001). The difference was not statistically significant for the groups (p = 0.22). Similar results were observed during movement, but the sensation of stiffness was not modified. Such beneficial results did not last until the next day. No undesirable major effects were noticed. Our study does not support the fact that one Scenar^TM session improves low back and neck pain better than a sham session.

Keywords: electric current therapy; low back pain; neck pain.

Figure 1

Evolution of pain scores and sensation of stiffness before and after the procedure. Scenar-Off: sham group with the Scenar^TM device turned off; Scenar-On: treatment group with the Scenar^TM device turned on. The data are presented as individual values.