ABSTRACT
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] has been a non-chemical effective method in reducing pain. The mechanism of TENS is not clear but gate control theory may explain it. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of TENS on the post cesarean section pain. In a randomized clinical trial, in the year 2006, at Oncology Ward of Kerman Afzalipur Hospital 72 women with cesarean delivery, participated in this study and were assigned randomly to two groups. For the TENS group [36 patients] TENS was applied and for the control group [36 patients], placebo TENS. Intensity of pain before and after interventions was assessed by visual analogue scale [VAS]. Also the first request of analgesic by the patient was compared between the two groups. The individual, and VAS results were collected in a questionnaire, analyzed by SPSS, and statistical tests The mean scores of pain for TENS group and control group were 3.78 +/- 1.72 and 6.61 +/- 2.11 respectively [p=0.0001]. There was a significant statistical difference [p=0.0001], between the different mean scores for TENS group [2.25] and control group [0.22]. Reducing pain in the TENS group and control group were 91% and16.6% respectively]p=0.0001].This study demonstrated that, using the postoperative TENS can reduce the intensity of pain and it can also, be an effective and safe method in controlling the pain of patients with cesarean section