부산대학교 도서관

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) refers to the delivery of electrical currents throughthe skin to activate peripheral nerves. The technique is widely used in developed countries to relievea wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including pain resulting from cancer and itstreatment. There are many systematic reviews on TENS although evidence is often inconclusivebecause of shortcomings in randomised control trials methodology. In this overview the basic sciencebehind TENS will be discussed, the evidence of its effectiveness in specific clinical conditionsanalysed and a case for its use in pain management in developing countries will be made.