Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, and spinal cord stimulation on neuropathic, inflammatory and, non-inflammatory pain in rat models

Korean J Pain, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2020.33.2.121 · Published: April 1, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effectiveness of TENS, manual acupuncture (MA), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on different types of pain. These non-pharmacological treatments are often thought to work through similar mechanisms, and thus should have similar effects for different types of pain. The research compares the impact of these treatments on neuropathic, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory pain models in rats. The study looks at how each treatment affects the pain thresholds in these different pain conditions. The findings reveal that while TENS and SCS show similar benefits across all pain types, MA is mainly effective for inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This suggests that different pain conditions might respond differently to various non-pharmacological treatments.

Study Duration

4 days of treatment

Participants

54 Male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
TENS and SCS produce similar effects in neuropathic, inflammatory and non-inflammatory muscle pain models.
2
MA is only effective in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models.
3
The reduced withdrawal thresholds were significantly reversed by application of either TENS or SCS (P < 0.05).

Research Summary

The study compared the effects of TENS, SCS, and MA on neuropathic, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory pain models in rats. TENS and SCS were effective in all three pain models, while MA was only effective in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models. These data suggest that MA may not be useful for non-inflammatory pain, while all 3 interventions could be used for neuropathic and inflammatory pain.

Practical Implications

Treatment Selection

When choosing non-pharmacological pain treatments, consider the specific type of pain as MA may not be effective for non-inflammatory pain.

Mechanism Understanding

Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which TENS, SCS, and MA alleviate different types of pain.

Combined Therapies

Exploring combinations of these therapies might offer enhanced pain relief for certain conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The methods of the pain models.
2
Protocols using different parameters of frequency, and alternating currents.
3
Future clinical studies need to confirm animal data to provide a solid evidence base for the use of SCS, TENS, and MA.

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