The viability of external electrical stimulation as a therapeutic modality

This study indicates that external electrical stimulation is a valuable tool for control of acute pain in about 80 percent of patients but, for significant relief of pain, in only about 25 percent of patients with chronic pain. The author recognizes that in order to increase its use, a system for delivery of this therapy under a doctor's prescription, rather than having to teach each individual practitioner the technique for using the device, must be developed. In chronic-pain patients when external electrical stimulation is inadequate, a more aggressive and comprehensive program of operant conditioning, progressive physical exercise, drug withdrawal, autogenic training, and biofeedback is advised.