Using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to Treat Pain Associated with Spinal Cord Injury

Tan, Gabriel, Rintala, Diana H., Thornby, John, Yang, June, Wade, Walter, and Vasilev, Christine. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 2006; 43(4):461-474.

Abstract

Treatments for chronic pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have been less than effective. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a noninvasive treatment that has been shown to be effective for treating pain in other populations. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of CES for treating pain in 38 persons with SCI. Participants received either active or sham CES 1 hour a day for 21 days. Pain intensity and interference were measured before, during, and after treatment. The active CES group reported a significant decrease in daily pain intensity compared with the sham group (p = 0.03). The active CES group also reported significantly less pain interference than the sham group (p = 0.004). These findings suggest that CES may be an effective, nonpharmacologic treatment for pain in persons with SCI.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for treating chronic pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either active CES or sham CES.

Methodology

Thirty-eight participants with SCI and chronic pain were enrolled in the study. Participants used the Alpha-Stim CES device for 1 hour daily for 21 consecutive days. Pain intensity was measured daily using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Pain interference with daily activities was also assessed.

Results

The group receiving active CES showed a statistically significant reduction in daily pain intensity compared to the sham control group (p = 0.03). Furthermore, the active CES group reported significantly less pain interference with daily activities compared to the sham group (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) appears to be an effective and safe nonpharmacologic intervention for the management of chronic pain associated with spinal cord injury. It offers a viable alternative or adjunct to traditional pain management strategies in this population.