Long-term use of TENS is associated with a significant reduction in the utilization of pain medication and PT/OT. In this study population, cost simulations of medication and PT/OT indicate that with long-term TENS use, costs can be reduced up to 55% for medications and up to 69% for PT/OT. The potential for TENS associated improvement, combined with reduced medication-related complications and costs, are important points that clinicians should consider when constructing a treatment plan for chronic pain patients. Finally, cost simulation techniques provide a useful tool for assessing outcomes in pain treatment and research.
The experimental study of itch was reviewed, and an experiment performed to test the effects of ipsilateral and contralateral counterirritation distal to the itching wrist. Each of the 18 subjects served in all experimental conditions, receiving cowage as the itch stimulus and a placebo. Counterirritation consisted of a 10-sec immersion of the fingers into a 2° C water bath. Lateral differences both in response to cowage and to counterirritation were obtained. In general, counterirritation reduced itch significantly more than the control procedure during the treatmenj period and the first three intervals following treatment. The results of the present experiment suggest a central mechanism attenuating the sensation of itch.
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