Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for cancer bone pain

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009 Mar;37(3):424-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.03.017. Epub 2008 Sep 14.

Abstract

In the cancer population, painful bony metastases are common, difficult to treat and significantly reduce quality of life. Common treatments include opioid analgesics, bisphosphonates, and radiotherapy; yet these have significant side effects and are not universally effective. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is inexpensive, relatively free from side effects, and widely available. We present a case study of successful TENS therapy in a patient with cancer bone pain and discuss the rationale for using TENS in this setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / etiology
  • Bone Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*