Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) presents a significant global health challenge, leading to substantial disability.
• The therapeutic efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for CNSLBP requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of tDCS on pain and functional disability in adults with CNSLBP.
• To compare the outcomes of M1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stimulation targets.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted up to February 2026.
• Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of standalone or combined tDCS interventions.
• Meta-analyses assessed pain intensity and functional disability, with subgroup and meta-regression analyses performed.

Main Results:

• Standalone tDCS did not significantly reduce pain intensity in CNSLBP patients.
• tDCS combined with peripheral interventions, particularly anodal stimulation over M1, showed significant analgesic effects.
• Neither standalone nor combined tDCS significantly improved functional disability.

Conclusions:

• Moderate-certainty evidence suggests standalone tDCS is unlikely to provide meaningful pain relief for CNSLBP.
• Low-certainty evidence indicates that anodal M1 tDCS combined with structured peripheral interventions may offer analgesic benefits, warranting cautious interpretation.