Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 2/5/2008

Question
when i was in the service i went to the chiropractor 2 times a week for re-alignment and electric treatment.  they attached leads to my upper and lower back and applied an amount of current that i felt comfortable with.   i do not remember what this procedure is called and would appreciate any info you could supply.  also is there a personal unit that does that and if so what is it called. i am doing a class in college and wanted to use that device as my presentation but i cant remember the name. than k you for any help you can offer.

Answer
Joshua,

A number of electrical stimulation/therapy devices exist which are commonly used by chiropractors and physical therapists. Typically, these include: electrical muscle stimulation (high volt galvanic, low volt galvanic, and Russian stimulation), interferential current (which stimulates the release of natural opiates from the spinal cord), and TENS (transcutaneous electrical stimulation). I don't know which modality was used in your treatments.

As a side-note, current research generated mostly by the physical therapy profession downplays the use of these passive devices in patient care for chronic back pain. Interferential current and TENS in particular were found to have insufficient evidence to support their use.

I hope that this helps to answer your question.