PainRelief.com: How might a TENS unit ameliorate symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Response: Fibromyalgia since it is associated with increased excitability and reduced inhibition in the nervous system; TENS can reduce this excitability and increase inhibition. TENS also reduces activity-induced pain and exercise a first-line treatment recommended to people with fibromyalgia. Thus, we believe TENS can be particularly useful to allow individuals to perform daily activities and exercise with less pain
PainRelief.com: What are the main findings?
Response: This study showed that regular use of TENS reduced movement-evoked pain and fatigue for individuals with fibromyalgia. This benefit occurs on top of other pharmacological and physical therapy treatments. Importantly, effects are observed on the first treatment, show increased relief after 30 days of use, and continued relief after 6 months of use. Those who used the unit the most had the best effects. At the end of the study 80% of individuals found it useful and were continuing to use the TENS unit at least once per week. We also showed that TENS was safe with no serious adverse events.
PainRelief.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: TENS is a safe, effective, readily available treatment to treat pain and fatigue for individuals with fibromyalgia. It is particularly useful for movement-related pain and fatigue, and will allow individuals to perform daily activities and exercise with less pain.
PainRelief.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: As with all treatments, TENS does not work for all individuals. Future research should determine the factors that make TENS effective for individuals with fibromyalgia, and if TENS is equally effective for other chronic pain conditions.
PainRelief.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: As with all treatments, TENS does not work for all individuals. Future research should determine the factors that make TENS effective for individuals with fibromyalgia, and if TENS is equally effective for other chronic pain conditions.
Citation:
Dailey DL, Vance CGT, Van Gorp BJ, et al. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Pain With Movement in People With Fibromyalgia: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(3):e262450. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.2450
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Last Updated on April 8, 2026 by PainRelief.com