Abstract
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is now a well established clinical technique to alleviate chronic pain. Its mechanism of action remains unknown and the stimulation parameters used are based on subjective reports from patients. In the present study, a systematic investigation has been performed with conditioning stimulation of different parameters delivered to a dissected skin nerve in the lightly anesthetized rat, utilizing the size of a C-fiber-evoked flexion reflex as a measure of transmission from nociceptive afferent fibers in the spinal cord. A stimulation intensity that recruited both A-beta and A-delta fibers was more effective in depressing the C-fiber-evoked reflex at all frequencies studied than were intensities activating A-beta fibers only. A stimulation frequency of 80 Hz gave the most profound inhibition. The implications for clinical treatment are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
