Effect of electrode attachment location for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief in lumbar vertebral body fractures.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of the location of electrode attachment in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain relief in patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 59 patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures, who were randomly assigned to receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region, lower limbs, or upper limbs, or no treatment, over a 4-week period. Pain, activities of daily living, and pain catastrophizing were assessed. [Results] Compared with the control group, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region or lower limbs significantly reduced pain levels in the first 2 weeks. Although, activities of daily living and pain catastrophizing improved over time, no significant differences were observed between the groups. [Conclusion] Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provides pain relief to patients during the early stages of lumbar vertebral body fractures. However, it had no effect on the activities of daily living, pain catastrophizing, or long-term pain-relief. For lumbar vertebral body fracture pain relief, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrodes should be attached to the lumbar region or lower limbs.