Transcutaneous electrical stimulation in neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rampazo, Érika Patrícia; Martignago, Cintia Cristina Santi; de Noronha, Marcos; Liebano, Richard Eloin

doi:10.1002/ejp.1845

Cited by 31Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationPain Management and TreatmentAcupuncture Treatment Research Studies

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation in neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rampazo, Érika Patrícia, Martignago, Cintia Cristina Santi, de Noronha, Marcos, Liebano, Richard Eloin·2022·European Journal of Pain

DOI 10.1002/ejp.1845

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) for neck pain (NP). DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: The databases CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE (via OVID), PEDro and Web of Science were searched, with no date restrictions. Two independent reviewers selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting pain, range of motion or psychosocial factors in people with NP, in which ES was applied. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Thirty studies met eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Main results showed evidence of moderate quality that ES combined with other intervention significantly decreases the pain intensity compared to other intervention immediately post-treatment and at short-term follow-up; evidence of low quality showed significant effects of ES combined with other intervention in decreasing neck disability compared to other intervention immediately post-treatment; evidence of very-low quality that ES increased the pressure pain threshold compared to placebo immediately post-treatment and that ES + other intervention also increased the pressure pain threshold compared to other intervention at short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ES combined with other intervention seems to be useful to relieve pain and to improve disability in people with NP, however, more studies are needed. SIGNIFICANCE: Electrical stimulation seems to be effective for improving pain intensity, immediately post-treatment in people with neck pain, mainly as an adjunct therapeutic modality. Nevertheless, high-quality RCTs are still needed to investigate the efficacy of electrical stimulation in neck pain.

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The review by Rampazo et al captured 30 studies but found only one study reported on depression.
“For example the review by Rampazo et al captured 30 studies but found only one study reported on depression.101”
From Impact of healthcare interventions on distress following acute musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injury: A scoping review of systematic reviews (2024) · cites this paper as [101]
Another TENS review reported that of the few studies that reported on psychological outcomes, no effect was demonstrated on anxiety or depression, although the quality of evidence was reportedly low.
“The other reported that of the few studies that reported on psychological outcomes, no effect was demonstrated on anxiety or depression, although the quality of evidence was reportedly low.101”
From Impact of healthcare interventions on distress following acute musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injury: A scoping review of systematic reviews (2024) · cites this paper as [101]

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Impact of healthcare interventions on distress following acute musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injury: A scoping review of systematic reviews
Sim, A., McNeilage, A. G., Gholamrezaei, A., Rebbeck, T., & Ashton-James, C. (2024) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085778 · Cited by 8 · see citing works

Authors: Rampazo, É. P., Martignago, C. C. S., de Noronha, M., & Liebano, R. E.
Affiliations: Universidade Federal de São Carlos (BR)
Rural Department of Allied Health La Trobe Rural Health School La Trobe University Bendigo Australia
ORCID: Rampazo, Érika Patrícia
Martignago, Cintia Cristina Santi
Liebano, Richard Eloin
Venue: European Journal of Pain
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2021-08-03
Volume: 26
Issue: 1
Pages: 18-42
ISSN: 1090-3801 (ISSN-L)
1532-2149
DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1845
OpenAlex: W3184601551
Cited by: 31
References: 53
Citations by year: 2026: 5 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4
FWCI: 0.60
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: European Journal of Pain (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
Health Sciences › Medicine › Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine › Pain Management and Treatment
Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies
Keywords: transcutaneous electrical stimulation, neck pain, pain intensity, neck disability, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, adjunctive therapy, analgesia
MeSH terms: Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation, Humans, Neck, Pain Measurement, Range of Motion, Articular, Neck Pain

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Transcutaneous electrical stimulation in neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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