Background: Mild pain can affect movement leading to disability, and impaired neck proprioception. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been recommended as an intervention for chronic and subacute neck pain with mobility deficits. Objective: The purpose was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for improving cervical spine proprioception and reducing pain, anxiety, and disability in young adults with mild neck pain. Methods: Twenty-two participants were recruited between the ages of 20-40 years old and randomized into control and intervention groups. Participants had chronic mild neck pain and not receiving pain treatment or medication, and did not have electrotherapy contraindications. The intervention group received a 30-minute TENS intervention and were instructed in a 2-week daily home-based TENS intervention. Outcome measures were visual analog scale, neck disability index, state-trait anxiety inventory, active range of motion (AROM) and joint position error (JPE). Results: Participants reported reduction in pain, disability, and anxiety post 30-minute intervention. Increase in right lateral flexion AROM and decrease in mean JPE extension post 30-minute intervention. Post 2-week intervention, reduction in pain, an increase in right lateral flexion AROM, and a reduction in mean JPE extension were also detected. Conclusion: People with chronic mild neck pain had a reduction in pain, anxiety, and disability post 30-minutes TENS treatment. Reduction in anxiety and disability with TENS treatment suggests that TENS may be beneficial in reducing pain, anxiety, and improving neck proprioception in young adults with mild neck pain.
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