How multi-site, peripheral, non-invasive electrical stimulation (MSPES) impact three major mechanisms in the Central Nervous System

With technological advancement, electrical stimulation (ES) has been increasingly used in various clinical settings to treat acute and chronic pain conditions. It has become popular with both patients and health professionals. However, its clinical effectiveness is still controversial, with some studies supporting it, whereas others contradict its clinical use. Although ES has been used for decades, it has recently been clarified how it produces analgesia or reduces pain. Furthermore, there is likely more than one mechanism of action. This descriptive review describes the fundamental mechanisms and the necessary details of possible pathways and networks that ES modulates. It also covers literature findings concerning ES: basic science, experimental pain; clinical trials; and systematic reviews; to update the reader on the latest developments in its description.