Ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) in subjects with craniofacial pain: A retrospective study.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) on pain and electromyographic values in subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of 80 non-consecutive patients (58 women, 22 men, mean age 35.3 ± 9.9 years) suffering from pain associated with temporomandibular disorders was performed. The sample was treated with ULF-TENS, and outcomes were evaluated by anamnestic index, dysfunction index, visual analog scale, and surface electromyography of the masticatory muscles.

Results

An improvement was seen in pain and electromyographic values. The visual analog scale showed a mean decrease from 8 to 2; surface electromyographic values in the masseter area decreased from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.1.

Conclusion

ULF-TENS seems to be effective in reducing pain symptomatology of subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders, with a reduction in the surface electromyographic activity in the masseter area.