[Conservative therapy of backache. Part 5: TENS, acupuncture, biofeedback, traction, cryotherapy, massage and ultrasound].

Abstract

In addition to the major therapeutic modalities for use in back pain already discussed, a number of other forms of treatment are also available and in common use some of which at least have a solid scientific basis. Recent data suggest that subthreshold TENS is no effective treatment for low back pain. Whether this is also true of higher-dose TENS is not yet clear. Electro-acupuncture, in contrast, does appear to be effective, but not biofeedback or traction. Other commonly employed treatment modalities, such as cryotherapy, heat, massage or ultrasound cannot definitively be assessed at present, since controlled trials have not been carried out.

• Authors: E Ernst, V Fialka
• Journal: Fortschritte der Medizin (Fortschr Med) Vol. 111 Issue 27 Pg. 420-2 (Sep 30 1993) ISSN: 0015-8178 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Konservative Therapie von Kreuzschmerzen. Teil 5 (Schluss): TENS, Akupunktur, Biofeedback, Traktion, Kryotherapie, Massagen und Ultraschall.
• PMID: 8225146 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Acupuncture Points
• Biofeedback, Psychology
• Cryotherapy
• Humans
• Low Back Pain (etiology, rehabilitation)
• Massage
• Physical Therapy Modalities (methods)
• Traction
• Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
• Ultrasonic Therapy