Patient reports of the effects and side-effects of TENS for chronic non-malignant pain following a four week trial

C. D. Richardson, K. Maciver, M. Wright, J. R. Wiles

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to assess the perceived efficacy, stimulation parameters and side-effect profile of TENS when used for chronic non-malignant pain. A prospective continuous sample of 154 patients was recruited from a nurse-led TENS clinic. Ninety-eight completed questionnaires were obtained following a four-week trial. Most patients chose the continuous mode (59%) because this gave the best reduction in their pain. A 50% or greater reduction in pain occurred in 44% of the sample, 20% had no relief and 8% reported an exacerbation of their pain. There was a trend towards greater effect for neuropathic pains (p = 0.17) and for less benefit in the over 60 age group (p = 0.16). On average it took 26 min (s.d. 25.47) for analgesia to develop and continued relief was achieved for a mean of 77 min (s.d. 83.45), once the machine was switched off. Nearly 46% of the patients reported some discomfort which they associated with the use of TENS. Unpleasant sensations at and away from the site of TENS were reported by 30.6%, whilst headaches (8.2%), muscle aches (6.1%), nausea (3.1%), bad temperedness (3.1%) and dizziness (1.0%) were also reported. TENS is an effective treatment for some chronic pain conditions, but a high level of mild and often unusual side effects may limit compliance.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)265-276
    Number of pages11
    JournalPain Clinic
    Volume13
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2002

    Keywords

    • Chronic pain
    • Side effects
    • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

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