The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical neuro stimulation (TENS) in reducing pain in patients with cervical syndrome

Abstract

Background: The cervical syndrome is a set of different symptoms that are located in and around the neck area. Physiotherapy and specifically electrotherapy through can help relieve pain in patients with cervical syndrome.Aim: The aim of this review is to highlight, through recent articles, the efficacy of TENS in reducing pain in patients with cervical syndrome.Method: The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched in English and Greek with the following keywords: cervical syndrome, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. Clinical studies and systematic reviews were included in the review.Results: In total 10 sources were included in this review, of which seven were clinical trials and three were reviews.Discussion-Conclusions: Applying TENS, either low-frequency or high-frequency, for 30 minutes with three sessions per week and duration of treatment varying from three to six weeks can effectively help reduce pain in patients with acute or chronic cervical syndrome.