Comparison of Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Core Stability Exercises on Pain and Disability in Disc Herniation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of chronic low back pain, often leading to significant pain and disability. Non-invasive interventions such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Core Stability Exercises (CSE) are frequently used for symptom management, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear.Objective: To compare the effects of TENS and CSE on pain intensity and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 10 subjects aged 18-60 years, divided into two groups: Group A (TENS) and Group B (CSE). Both groups received their respective interventions over eight weeks, with pain and disability assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, with a significance level set at p<0.05.Results: Group A showed a reduction in NPRS from 3.80 ± 0.83 to 2.40 ± 0.54 (p=0.005) and in MODI from 4.80 ± 0.44 to 3.60 ± 0.89 (p=0.033). Group B demonstrated a reduction in NPRS from 3.60 ± 1.14 to 1.40 ± 0.54 (p=0.020) and in MODI from 3.20 ± 0.44 to 1.20 ± 0.44 (p=0.003).Conclusion: Both TENS and CSE effectively reduced pain and disability in lumbar disc herniation patients, with CSE showing superior results.