Transcutaneous sacral neuromodulation for pelvic pain and non-relaxing pelvic floor: Findings from a pilot study

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability by patients of transcutaneous sacral roots neuromodulation (TSRN) by paravertebral placement of surface electrodes to treat pelvic pain and pelvic muscle stiffness. Pelvic pain is a disabling condition, often related to non-relaxing pelvic muscles. Causes for the onset are often unclear; noninvasive treatment targeted at maintenance factors can be administered by nurses in some countries. previous studies have investigated the role of invasive stimulation for pelvic pain; TSRN has proved successful in other pelvic disorders. We conducted a pilot study on a sample of consecutive patients of both genders, reporting pelvic pain (chronic or not). Weekly sessions of TSRN with surface electrodes were performed; pain was recorded with the numeric rating scale (NRS) at baseline and after the end of the rehabilitation plan. Therapeutic success was defined as a reduction of 50% in pain scores. Twenty patients were enrolled, most complaining multiple symptoms apart from pain. Seven males had primary prostate pain syndrome, one had history of orthopaedic surgery, and eight had muscle stiffness (Median = 3 out of 4, IQR = [3;3], range [2;4]). Sixteen patients (12 males and 4 females) had chronic pelvic pain. The median NRS values in the sample at baseline was 4[5.5–7.5] with no significant differences between genders (p = 0.144) and decreased significantly (Me = 0.5, IQR[0.0–1.0], p < 0.001) after a median of 20 weekly sessions (range [10–30]). The results indicated clinically relevant benefit for all patients (ω² = 0.689, 95%IC[0.505–0.793]) Decrease in pelvic muscle stiffness was significant (from Me = 3, IQR [3] to Me = 0, IQR[0–1], p < 0.0001) without differences between the genders (p = 0.711). No significant difference was found in the number of sessions required by males and females to achieve therapeutic success (p = 0.282). TSRN seems a promising treatment for pelvic pain and can be performed in outpatients' clinics with low costs and no invasivity. Further studies on larger, randomized samples are required to confirm these results.