| Therapeutic Efficacy of Pain-Scrambler for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review |
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Dong Geun Lee, Dong Hwa Heo, Choon Keun Park |
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Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center, The Leon Wiltse Memorial Hospital, Suwon, Korea |
Correspondence:
Dong Hwa Heo, Tel: 82-31-240-6283, Fax: 82-31-240-6282,
Email: spinesurgery@naver.com
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| Abstract |
Objective
Pain scrambler therapy is effective for treating chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate and review the effectiveness of scrambler therapy for treating refractory chronic pain.
Methods
Three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database, and EMBASE.) and reference lists from relevant studies were searched in September 2015. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Quality Index tool. The effectiveness of the studies was measured by calculating effect sizes (Cohen’s d) from means and standard deviations.
Results
Eight studies including three randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Quality assessment scores ranged from 37 to 63% (mean 50.3%). External and internal validity across studies was mostly poor. However, pain scrambler therapy for chronic neuropathy appeared to be effective in higher quality studies.
Conclusion
Pain scrambler therapy may be more effective for treating chronic neuropathy pain than other chronic pain; however, further research is needed to support its use to treat chronic pain considering the limited evidence. |
| Key Words:
Pain scrambler; Neuropathy; Radiculopathy; Chronic pain. |
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