A Comparative Study of Efficacy of Microcurrent Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Mens) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) on Pain and Disability in Patients with Unilateral Lumbar Radiculopathy

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Microcurrent Electrical Nerve stimulation (MENS) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on patients with unilateral Lumbar Radiculopathy. Methodology: 30 participants of age group 30-50 years were selected according to the selection criteria. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Participants of Group 1 were given TENS, Group 2 were given MENS. The pain was assessed using Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Functional Disability with the help of Oswestry low back disability questionnaire respectively. The entire procedure was explained to the participants and informed consent was taken. TENS as well as MENS was applied daily for a total duration of 1 week. Each session was of 20 minutes with the participant lying in comfortable position. Numerical Pain Rating Scale scores and Functional Disability scores were checked before and after the intervention and results were analyzed. Outcome measure: Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire was used for the purpose of assessment of pain and Functional Disability respectively. Result: There was a statistically significant improvement in the functional disability and pain in the patients treated with the Microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) and Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Conclusion: Both MENS and TENS were effective but as compared to MENS, TENS was more effective in relieving pain and improving functional disability in patients with unilateral Lumbar Radiculopathy.