A review on interferential current analgesic effects in individuals with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is defined as mechanical musculoskeletal pain in the lower back that has no known cause and lasts for more than 12 weeks. It is one of the four most common health problems in the world with huge socio-economic consequences. Various interventions are used for its physiotherapy treatment, such as electrotherapy methods that seem to have a positive effect on reducing pain and improving the functioning of these patients. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of interferential current (IFC) in the treatment of patients with CLBP. The following databases were searched in English: MED line, Science Direct and Scopus; with the following keywords: Efficacy, chronic low back pain, interferential current electrotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation. The review included 11 studies of which 10 were randomized control trials and one pilot study. Electrotherapy protocols were applied that included both the individual application of IFC protocols and combinations with other therapies. Discussionresults: The results of these clinical trials reinforce data on the positive effect of IFC on pain and quality of life in patients with CLBP. Their immediate analgesic effect has been shown to be effective both when applied as a single treatment and when combined with other natural means such as TENS or other physiotherapy interventions such as massage, stretching, Pilates and manual therapy techniques.

Physiotherapy versus alternative medicine for pain and quality of life in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

“…Non-surgical interventions such as physiotherapy management and alternative medicine focus on improving mildto-moderate symptoms in LSS patients. Physiotherapy, including electrotherapy, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, and Repetitive Tibial Nerve Stimulation (RTNS), has been used to treat the symptoms of NC [15,16] by reducing the release of prostaglandins and helps in reducing pain by stimulating largediameter A-beta fibre and reducing pain through small-diameter (A-delta and C fibres) according to pain gate theory [17]. other interventions include manual therapy consisting of spinal mobilisation and manipulation, neural mobilisation, and passive stretching of the lumbar para-spinal muscles for musculoskeletal limitations in patients with LSS [1,18].…”