TENS Shouldn’t be Used for Back Pain

Posted on January 2, 2010 in Consumer Goods, Health & Medicine, Recent Studies, Technology

A portable device called TENS—transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation—is a popular therapy for low-back pain. A mild electrical current is delivered to the nerves via electrodes, supposedly blocking the pain signal. But a new study warns that the therapy is ineffective and should not be used for chronic back pain.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, analyzed all data on TENS in studies lasting three months or longer. Little scientific data has been offered to demonstrate exactly how the device works. The paper’s authors said that people who are currently using the therapy should discuss the new guidelines with their doctor.

TENS could still be useful for treating patients with diabetic nerve pain. Study authors wrote that the device might be a “therapeutic alternative” in treating neurological pain disorders.