THE ELECTRO ACUPUNCTURE: A MODE OF ANALGESIA

Abstract

The role of electroanalgesic modalities in treatment of chronic pain syndromes has long been questioned by medical practitioners because of the lack of adequate randomized, double-blind sham-controlled studies to support their use in clinical practice [1-3]. Earlier few sham-controlled studies involving the use of  electroacupuncture reflected some significant benefits in terms of lowering pain scores, improvement in sense of well-being, physical activity, and quality of sleep, and reduction in need for oral analgesic medication [4-6]. Recently, Sator-Katzenschlager and co workers described a prospective, randomized sham-controlled study by using auricular acupuncture. The study involved electrical stimulation of an auricular acupuncture point which resulted in enhancement of analgesic benefits of acupuncture in patients with chronic low back pain. This study has contributed the growing body of scientific data supporting the use of electro analgesic modalities in the management of chronic pain [7]. Some studies have also documented the long term benefits of electroanalgesia in chronic pain and significant benefits to patients receiving electrostimulation by accelerating their ability to return earlier to full-time work as well as improved quality of life [8-11]. Therefore, we have reviewed the role of electrotherapy as one of the modes of analgesia for the management of chronic pain.