Efficacy of TENS in Cervical Pain Syndromes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

Teresa Paolucci,Mirko Pesce,Marco Paoloni,Andrea Bernetti,Francesco Agostini,Luca Ribecco,Simone Verna,Massimiliano Mangone,Alessandro De Sire,Raoul Saggini

doi:10.3390/app11083423

Abstract

Neck pain is defined as perceived pain, originating in an area bounded above by the nuchal line, below by an imaginary line passing through the spinous process of T1 and laterally by the sagittal plane tangent to the lateral edges of the neck. Our purpose is to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients suffering from both acute and chronic cervical pain syndromes. The literature research was conducted by consulting the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. To formulate the scientific question correctly, the PICO model was used. This umbrella review includes all systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis, in English, which analyze the use of TENS in subjects suffering from acute or chronic cervical pain. To evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, the AMSTAR model. A total of eleven systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses were included. The results of the study show how TENS seems to have an effect in reducing the intensity of acute and chronic cervical pain, especially in the short term. However, it was not possible to provide precise recommendations in this regard. Based on our result, it is desirable to carry out further studies that support the effectiveness of using TENS in patients suffering from acute and chronic neck pain.

Highlights

Neck pain is defined as “perceived pain, originating in an area bounded above by the nuchal line, below by an imaginary line passing through the spinous process of T1 and laterally by the sagittal planes tangent to the lateral edges of the neck” [1,2,3]
The following mesh terms were used for the research: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) AND/OR neck pain AND/OR myofascial pain syndrome, electrotherapy AND/OR mechanical neck disorders AND/OR upper trapezius myalgia
There is limited evidence of the efficacy of TENS in patients suffering from acute neck pain not associated with whiplash

Summary

Introduction

Neck pain is defined as “perceived pain, originating in an area bounded above by the nuchal line, below by an imaginary line passing through the spinous process of T1 and laterally by the sagittal planes tangent to the lateral edges of the neck” [1,2,3]. It affects approximately 30–50% of the general population each year, constituting the 4% of causes of patients referring to Italian Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PRM) outpatients [4]. The TENS impulses, due to their short duration, are able to selectively activate the A beta fibers and block nociceptive impulses through the Gate-Control mechanism [15]

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Discussion

Conclusion