[Analysis of quality of life in patiens with low back pain after receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)].

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common disorders affecting office employees working with a computer, which inevitably leads to lower quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of patients with LBP after application of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nervous Stimulation).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included 30 computer workers (26 females and 4 males) aged 30-60 years (45 +/- 12). The quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument-Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-Bref) before and after 10 applications of TENS. Outcomes were evaluated with a visual analog score (VAS) for pain and Schober's test to measure the ability of a patient to flex his or her lower back.

RESULTS

The mean VAS value decreased significantly from 3.83 +/- 1.31 cm at baseline to 3.36 +/- 1.21 cm after treatment. Patients reported pain relief. The highest quality of life scores in terms of social relationships were found in the social category evaluating personal relationships, social support and sexual activity (15.91 +/- 2.07) and mental health (14.32 +/- 1.59). After treatment a significant increase in the flexion of lower back was observed in the majority of patients. No significant correlations between the quality of life and the intensity of pain and the flexion of lower back before and after treatment were found.

CONCLUSIONS

TENS therapy is an effective technique for pain relief in patients with LBP. TENS can also be used with other methods of LBP treatment and may improve the patients' quality of life.