Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in pain management

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an analgesic technique used in clinics worldwide. However, its potential value for pain control in labour is often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' views after experience with TENS in labour. A questionnaire (12 multiple choice questions) was distributed to 17896 parturients in the UK who had used TENS to manage labour pain. The questionnaire was completed and returned by post within the 2 weeks following delivery by 10 077 women. The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics and It was found that 71% of the 10 077 respondents reported ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ relief of labour pain by TENS and 91% would use TENS again in the future. However, 86% of parturients who completed the questionnaire reported receiving additional analgesics during labour and it is therefore impossible to determine whether analgesic effects were directly due to TENS alone. Of the 14% of respondents who completed labour without additional analgesia 1187 (83%) reported ‘excellent’ or ‘good‘ pain relief. Although one must be cautious in the interpretation of the results of a postal survey, the favourable reports of satisfaction while using TENS supports a possible role for TENS as an adjuvant in the management of labour pain.