Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Post-Cesarean Pain Control

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Post-Cesarean Pain Control

Purpose of study is to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for post-operative pain control after a cesarean delivery compared to placebo and no TENS.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Women undergoing scheduled or non-urgent cesarean section

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking
• Subjects with a history of chronic pain or chronic opioid use
• Pre-operative use of opioids for more than 1 week in the preceding 6 months
• Previous exposure to the TENS unit
• Women with an allergy or contraindication to narcotics/NSAIDs/acetaminophen
• Subjects who had a midline vertical skin incision during this operation
• Subjects who did not receive intrathecal opioids at the time of their cesarean delivery
• Adhesive allergies
• Subjects with a pacemaker (due to the unknown effects of the TENS on the electrical activity of the heart)
• Intraoperative general anesthesia
• Inability to consent to the study
• Postpartum tubal ligation