Abstract
Background: Back pain in pregnant women can reduce daily activity and cause functional disability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) added to paracetamol on pain intensity and disability in pregnant women suffering from back pain.
Patients and Methods: A total of 130 pregnant women treated with paracetamol because of their back pain were divided randomly into two groups, the 1st group received KT (n=65), two bands of KT were applied vertically on each side of the lumbar spine and 2 applied horizontally. The 2nd group (n=65) were treated by TENS. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questioner (RMDQ) were employed in the evaluation of pregnant patients with Low Back Pain (LBP) and disability before and after 3 weeks of treatment.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain intensity and disability after 3 weeks compared with baseline (for all p<0.001). Nevertheless, considering the change data from baseline to 3rd week, the KT group was significantly superior to the TENS group in all the outcome measures (for all p<0.001).
Conclusion: KT and TENS added to paracetamol can decrease back pain related to pregnancy and improve disability. KT was found to be superior to TENS.