Basic Understanding of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one of the representative physiotherapical modalities used for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders by the application of electrical stimuli. In dental practice, it has long been used in the treatment of acute and chronic orofacial pain conditions including temporomandibular disorders. TENS is the delivery of therapeutic electrical stimuli with a variety of electrical intensity, frequency and duration to stimulate peripheral nerve through surface electrodes with various form and placement. While controversy still remains over the clinical effectiveness and application of TENS, basic understanding of its electrical properties and the expected biological reactions is important to increase the therapeutic effect and decrease the risk of possible side effects. This review, therefore, focuses on basic understanding of TENS including its underlying mechanisms and stimulation parameters.

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Updates

“…Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive treatment modality that has been proven effective in reducing menstrual pain [ 13 , 54 , 55 ]. It is a small battery-operated portable device applied to the pelvic skin surface through adhesive electrodes that deliver electrical currents [ 54 ].…”

“…Its analgesic effect is mediated by two different mechanisms. The first mechanism involves increasing the sensory uterine pain threshold by transmitting a series of afferent electrical impulses via the large-diameter sensory fibers, thus resulting in reduced pain perception caused by uterine hypercontractility during menses, whereas the second mechanism involves inducing endorphin release by peripheral nerves resulting in pain attenuation [ 55 - 57 ]. TENS mainly consists of high-frequency (<50 Hz) or low-frequency TENS (2–5 Hz), with high-frequency TENS being the most commonly used since it has been demonstrated to be more efficient in reducing menstrual pain [ 56 ].…”

The Impact of Neurodynamic Mobilization and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Intensity in Cigarette Company Workers at Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“…) is a physiotherapy modality by the application of electrical current that has electrodes which is placed on the surface of the skin to stimulate peripheral nerves [10]. This tool serves to disrupt and block pain pathways through the gate control theory method with a frequency of 80-100 Hz, pulse width 350 μsec, and amplitude according to patient sensitivity approximately 0-80mA [11].…”

“…TENS excite sensory so that the impulses of Aβ fibers increase, then enter the dorsal horn on the spinal cord to stimulate gelatinous substance. It triggers the inhibition of Aδ and c transmission and lead to decrease the pain [10].…”

An Investigation into the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Postoperative Pain Intensity in Patients with Bone Fracture: A Clinical Trial

“…There are numerous studies on pain relief through TENS, which have reached different results. Systematic review studies examining the impact of TENS on acute pain have not obtained identical results and, to date, there is no general consensus in this regard, such that a number of authors have supported TENS, but others have dismissed it (18)(19)(20)(21). In Iran, several studies have been done into the effect of TENS on acute pain control (postcesarean pain, pain during the insertion of peripheral venous catheter, burn dressing change, and subcutaneous injection pain) (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28).…”