Immediate Effects of Distinct Intensities of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the immediate effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on pain outcomes, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain thresholds in a cohort of 55 participants experiencing chronic pain using a controlled, randomized trial with 55 participants allocated into 2 groups: 2 mA and 0.5 mA of tsDCS for 20 min. Anodal stimulation was applied on the 12th thoracic vertebra, with the cathode positioned on the 7th cervical vertebra. Pain outcomes were assessed before and post intervention using the VAS and pressure algometry. Between- and within-group differences, along with chi-square tests, were used to determine the differences and responsiveness. Significance was established at p < 0.05. Findings showed significant temporal effects for both VAS (p < 0.001) and pressure algometry (p = 0.04). However, no between-group differences were noted for the time × group factor for VAS (p = 0.46) and pressure algometry (p = 0.78). No significant between-group differences were observed for the responsiveness analysis. The results indicate that a single 20-min session of 2 and 0.5 mA tsDCS improves pain scores for both intensities equally. However, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in pain perception or pressure pain threshold.

Keywords: electrotherapy; nervous system; spinal cord; transcranial direct current stimulation.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of the participants (2024). tsDCS: transcutaneous direct current stimulation.

Figure 2

tsDCS electrodes positioning (2024). (A): 12th thoracic vertebra; (B): 7th cervical vertebra.