Effects of Dysesthesia-Matched Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Postural Control After Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery: A Case Report

Persistent plantar dysesthesia after lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) surgery impairs balance and increases fall risk. A 70-year-old woman with bilateral plantar dysesthesia (numerical rating scale (NRS) 8/10) received dysesthesia-matched transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (DM-TENS; 80 Hz, 100 µs) twice daily from postoperative day (POD) 15 to 30 (15 sessions) in conjunction with standard rehabilitation. Clinical assessments (e.g., muscle strength, ambulation, and activities of daily living (ADLs)) were performed on POD 2, 14, and 30. Psychological and postural control assessments were conducted on POD 14 and 30. Dysesthesia improved (NRS 8→3), ADL performance (Canadian occupational performance measure) increased (3→8), psychological distress decreased (PCS 25→16; HADS 21→18), and functional ambulation category improved (3→5). Under eyes-closed conditions, sway-ellipse area, path length, and mean velocity decreased by 24.2%, 25.9%, and 25.8%, respectively. DM-TENS was associated with rapid relief of dysesthesia and objective improvements in postural control, suggesting its utility as an adjunctive therapy for persistent post-LSS dysesthesia and balance impairment.