Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to relieve the tensed masticatory muscle: A retrospective study

Introduction: Myositis, a painful inflammatory condition of masticatory muscles, characterized by protracted local muscle soreness or myofascial pain, is most commonly caused by a source of nociception found in the muscle tissues having origin in central nervous system. Various therapeutic modalities used are pharmacologic, physical, or psychological. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a physical sensory stimulant therapy using high frequency and low-intensity electric current stimulates the nonnociceptive A-beta cutaneous afferents that activate the pain inhibitory mechanism. Its action is immediate with 50%-70% analgesic effect and induces few or no after effects. Purpose of Study: The objective of this retrospective analytical study was to assess the efficacy of TENS therapy in patients suffering from myositis. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of the patients of myositis treated with TENS during 2011-2012 in OPD of a dental school in India were retrieved from department archives and analyzed. In all these patients, severity of pain was assessed on visual analog scale at baseline and at every follow-up visit. The data were analyzed statistically using unpaired t-test. Results: Out of 22 patients treated, 18 showed significant improvement while three were unresponsive and in one patient the condition deteriorated. Conclusions: TENS may be an effective, economical, and easy to use therapy with minimal side effects in patients suffering from myositis.