Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation: a new therapeutic modality for controlling pain.

Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation relieves chronic and acute pain by blocking the transmission of pain impulses with comfortable electrical stimulation of light touch sensation. The original Gate Control Theory of Melzack and Wall provides a working model to explain the significant pain relief afforded patients. As high as 80% of selected patients presenting with a wide variety of causes could achieve some relief after treatment. This comfortable, safe method is finding wide application in clinical practice.