Before treatment, a physician obtains a medical history and performs a physical examination with specific focus on the area of pain. A pain assessment may be conducted. The patient may be asked to describe the frequency, duration and intensity of the pain being experienced. The patient may also be asked whether pain has resulted in limited movement in any body part and whether certain movements increase or decrease pain.

The patient may also be asked to rate the pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (excruciating or debilitating pain). Because treatment can result in immediate pain relief, a pain rating scale provides physicians with an easy way to quantify the effectiveness of treatment while it is being administered.

The physician or healthcare professional will determine the appropriate electrical stimulation procedure for the patient. The schedule and duration of the therapy will depend on the type and severity of pain. Electrical stimulation will be  part of physical therapy in many cases, or sometimes occupational therapy. It also can be part of chiropractic or other manipulation therapy. The treatment will be incorporated into a therapy plan aimed at decreasing the patient’s pain.

Some forms of electrical therapy involve spinal surgery or other surgery. The risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed with the patient. Any needs, such as fasting, adjusting medication or arranging hospitalization, will be reviewed.