TENS and Acupuncture in treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: To compare efficacy of transcutaneous electro neuron stimulation (TENS) of median nerves and acupuncture in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) Materials and methods: The study included 138patients with a diagnosis of CTS. 30patients received only pharmacotherapy treatment. 36patients received an additional course of high-frequency lowamplitude (HL) TENS, 38 patients a course of low-frequency highamplitude (LH) TENS and 34patients a course of acupuncture. Observed responses to the treatment in study using Pain VAS, Tinel’s and Phalen’s Signs and electromyography of median nerves. Results: Greater reduction of pain and Tinel’s and Phalen’s signs was determined in the application of TENS and acupuncture combined with pharmacotherapy. More significant reduction of pain was noted by HL TENS compared with LH TENS and acupuncture. Intensity of positive Tinel’s and Phalen’s signs was significantly lower with LH TENS and acupuncture compared with HL TENS. The electroneuromyography indicators (Amplitude and latency M-response and velocity of sensory fibres), have improved on the background of the LH TENS and at least after acupuncture (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study TENS and acupuncture enhance efficiency of pharmacotherapy in treatment of CTS reducing the severity of sensory and motor clinical and EMG manifestations of the CTS. Spontaneous pain more decrease by HL TENS. Compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel more reduced following LH TENS and acupuncture. Significant regression of EMG disorders of median nerve was noted by LH TENS therapy.