TENS: use, evidence and safety

TENS sends electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin. It is considered for nerve-related pain, musculoskeletal pain, and muscle overactivity.

Device settings and application vary; professional guidance helps determine suitability and correct use. Portable devices vary in stimulation frequency, intensity, and pulse duration.

Stimulation may influence nerve signalling involved in pain and muscle activity. Proposed explanations include interrupting pain transmission and activating the body’s pain-control systems.

Implanted devices and certain medical conditions or application sites can make treatment unsafe.

Possible effects include skin irritation, discomfort, and reactions to electrode materials. Risk depends on the person’s condition and where stimulation is applied.

The article reports evidence for neuropathic pain and spasticity, with gaps for musculoskeletal pain after SCI. Results for other populations do not establish effectiveness for every SCI-related symptom.