[Treatment of fibromyalgia by low-frequency transcutaneous nerve stimulation]

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of a non-inflammatory nature characterized first and foremost by great pain in a number of tendons and muscles. The syndrome has only recently been delineated as a separate entity, the criteria for which are still being discussed. Recent studies have revealed reduced oxygenation in the trigger points, apparently a result of reduced microcirculation due to sympatho-inhibition (5). Since low-frequency TNS is known to increase microcirculation in skin and muscles in widespread areas, and since such stimulation also produces widespread pain-relief through the activation of endogenous opioids, this appears to be a rational therapy for this syndrome. In the present study, 40 patients with fibromyalgia received low-frequency TNS. The effects were beneficial in about 70% of the cases.