Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the control of pain in musculoskeletal disorders

The literature on the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control in several common musculoskeletal disorders is reviewed. The need for this review stems from apparently contradictory results of numerous studies designed to address the efficacy of electrical stimulation procedures for pain control. The focus of the review is on the efficacy of TENS in the management of low back pain syndromes. Other areas discussed include TENS use in arthritic conditions, soft tissue inflammatory disorders, and in postoperative pain following orthopaedic surgical procedures. Methodological strengths and weaknesses of TENS studies are emphasized in order to assist the reader in understanding the relative value of TENS studies which either support or refute the efficacy of electrical stimulation procedures for pain control.