Refractory to Relief: A Medically Challenging Case Demonstrating the Impact of TENS on Cervical Pain Management

 

Introduction:

Cervical radiculopathy, affecting 1 in 1000 people, is a chronic pain condition caused by nerve root compression from conditions like spondylosis or disc herniation. This leads to prolonged inflammation, glial cell damage, and neuropathic pain. While drug therapy is the first-line treatment, many patients experience limited or short-lived relief.1 This case study examines a patient with medication-resistant cervical radiculopathy who achieved significant pain relief using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/Interferential Current (TENS/IFC) unit, highlighting its potential as an alternative pain management approach.