Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization are Equally Effective in Patients of Different Ages with Spinal Degeneration

Background. Back pain is the most common symptom caused by intervertebral disc degeneration, thus various interventions are used to relieve it, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization. The aim. To determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization on the static endurance of trunk muscles, back pain and functional disability in individuals of different ages with intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods. The study included 40 individuals diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration. According to age, the subjects were divided into two groups: the first (n = 22), with a mean age of 34.27 ± 7.81 yrs. and the second (n = 18) with a mean age of 55.28 ± 5.86 yrs. Both groups underwent transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization to relieve back pain. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. Before the intervention, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of the intervention, the static endurance of the trunk muscles and the pain intensity were assessed according to the numerical analog pain scale and the functional disability according to the Roland-Morris questionnaire. Results. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization of eight-week duration significantly increased static endurance of trunk muscles, reduced pain intensity, and functional disability in different age groups. No significant differences were found between groups after either 4 or 8 weeks of intervention. Conclusion. The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization may reduce back pain and functional impairment in patients with intervertebral disc degeneration, regardless the age of patients. Keywords: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, back pain, disc degeneration.