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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: May 11, 2020
Transcutaneous spinal DC stimulation reduces pain sensitivity in humans
C H Meyer-Frießem1, L M Haag2, T Schmidt-Wilcke2
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Palliative Care Medicine and Pain Management, Medical Faculty of Ruhr-University Bochum, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) offers a non-invasive method for pain relief. This study found that anodal tsDCS effectively reduced pain sensitivity to mechanical stimuli in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Non-invasive pain management strategies are crucial for addressing pain escalation and ensuring adequate pain relief.
- Current methods often have limitations, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in modulating pain sensitivity.
- To determine if tsDCS can reduce pain perception in response to electrical and mechanical stimuli.
Main Methods:
- A sham-controlled, single-blind study involving 24 healthy subjects.
- Anodal tsDCS (2.5mA) was applied for 15 minutes with electrodes placed over the T11 spinous process and the left posterior shoulder.
- Pain ratings to mechanical pinpricks and electrical stimuli were assessed before and at 30 and 60 minutes post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- Anodal tsDCS significantly reduced pain ratings to high-force mechanical pinpricks (128, 256, 512mN) at 30 and 60 minutes post-application.
- No significant changes were observed in pain sensitivity to electrical stimuli within the study timeframe.
Conclusions:
- Anodal tsDCS demonstrates potential as a non-invasive tool for suppressing pain sensitivity, particularly to mechanical stimuli.
- These findings suggest tsDCS may be a viable option for managing mechanically-induced pain.
