Desenvolvimento de protocolo de utilização para aparelho de estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua e alternada para alívio da dor na lombalgia

Abstract

Low back pain is considered one of the most frequent causes of disability and morbidity in the population. It is being one of the most common reasons for the population to look for medical assistance. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Alternating Current are brain neuromodulation techniques that modify the cortical activity of a specific brain region, with the aim of increasing or inhibiting the excitability of the cortical membrane, which can be used to decrease chronic pain. The present study aimed to develop a protocol for the use of both current for analgesic purposes in low back pain. It was a randomized experimental research with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The study was carried out with 44 individuals, both sexes, with clinical diagnosis of low back pain, aged between 18 and 30 years old. The physical therapy evaluation was started, consisting of the McGill questionnaire, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and algometry. Group 1 received an application of 2mA alternating current and an exercise booklet for low back pain; Group 2 received application of 2mA direct current and the same exercise booklet, and group 3 received only the exercise booklet. The currents were applied for 20 minutes, five times a week, for ten sessions. The exercises in the booklet were performed once a day for ten days. In the end, each participant was re-evaluated following the same processes and criteria as the initial evaluation. For the painful sensation (McGill) and Motor Threshold of the quadratus lumborum there was a statistically significant reduction for the three groups (p<0.05). For Pressure Pain Threshold, only G1 had a statistically significant increase in mean (p<0.01) and for Motor Threshold (M1) the two electrostimulated groups (G1 and G2) had a statistically significant reduction (p<0.01 for both). Non-invasive brain stimulation has been shown to be capable of promoting pain neuromodulation in individuals with low back pain and reducing pain sensation.