Effect of Different Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Modalities on Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the efficacies of different therapeutic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] types and placebo TENS on pain syndrome in cervical myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] and to determine the superior method.MethodsPatients recruited in the study were randomized into four groups. Group 1 was treated with a conventional TENS with a frequency of 100 Hz, 40 µs duration, low amplitude; Group 2 with an acupuncture-like TENS with a frequency of 4 Hz, 250 µs duration, high amplitude; Group 3 with burst TENS with high [100 Hz] and low [2 Hz] frequency, 40 µs and high amplitude. Group 4 was treated with an electrical stimulation until the patient felt it. Then the electrical current was interrupted, but the patient was told the current was proceeding and he/she did not feel it any more since he/she had gotten used to it. All groups were treated with a total of 10 therapies with 30-minute sessions three times a week. Patients were assessed with a visual analog scale ...