The effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with local heat or cold on pain relief in patients with lumbar spine disease

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), combined with local heat or cold, on pain relief in patients with lumbar spine disease. [Methods] Thirty-seven patients with lumbar spine disease participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the following three groups: TENS alone, TENS combined with local heat using a hot pack, and TENS combined with local cold using a cold pack. Leg pain was evaluated before and after the intervention using visual analogue scale (VAS). We also evaluated the pulse amplitude, reflecting the intensity values of TENS. [Results] The values of VAS were significantly decreased before and after the intervention in all groups. For TENS combined with local heat group, the delta VAS was significantly greater than that in TENS alone group. Additionally, the pulse amplitude was significantly greater for TENS combined with local heat, as compared to the other groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that TENS combined with local heat may be effective for pain relief in patients with lumbar spine disease. The improvement could be affected by the increased intensity values of TENS with a heating effect.