Effects of TENS on Patient with Neck Pain due to Cervical Spondylosis

Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a common age-related condition affecting the neck and shoulders due to degenerative changes. Risk factors include poor posture, anxiety, and aging, with prevalence increasing with age. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, numbness, and radiating pain. Neck pain affects 30–50% of the population yearly, often due to modern sedentary lifestyles. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a promising therapy for neck pain management, and it offers analgesic effects through nerve stimulation, but specific studies on its effectiveness and safety still need to be included for CS patients.

Aim of the Study: The study designed to evaluate the efficacy of TENS therapy in providing relief from neck pain among individuals diagnosed with CS.

Methods: A prospective observational study, a total of 100 patients with cervical spondylosis were assessed at two time periods, before and after the rehabilitation program. The study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2014 to June 2014. Inclusion criteria involved clinical and X-ray evidence of cervical spondylosis and subacute or chronic neck pain with limited mobility. Exclusion criteria included contraindications for electrotherapy and certain medical conditions. The rehabilitation program, conducted over ten days, followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines and included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy and various exercises.

Results: The majority of participants were over 60 years old (45%). Gender distribution showed 60% male and 40% female. Occupational composition revealed 45% employees, 25% retired, and 5% workers. Symptoms distribution showed equal occurrence on both sides (40% each), with 20% experiencing symptoms on both sides. Most participants (90%) did not use analgesics, while 10% used simple analgesia. After ten days, 75% showed improvement, 20% showed no change, and 5% worsened.

Conclusion: The study highlights TENS efficacy in alleviating neck pain due to cervical spondylosis, especially among older individuals. Occupational factors and analgesic use patterns underscore the condition’s complexity. After a ten-day TENS treatment, many patients experienced significant pain reduction, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic option.

Keywords: TENS, Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis.