Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Head and Neck Cancer Pain (HNC) (TENS & HNC)

The overall goal of this study is to examine the effect of a single dose of TENS on mucositis
pain and function secondary to head and neck radiation therapies. Oral mucositis is an
extremely debilitating, unpreventable condition (inflammation, ulcers, bleeding in the mouth,
nose, and throat) that causes significant pain, functional impairment, and diminished quality
of life. Head and neck cancers pose specific challenges to effective pain management and past
studies suggest the use of effective non-pharmacologic strategies such as TENS may be
particularly beneficial for avoiding sources of acute and chronic pain, thereby improving
quality of life. The investigators hypothesize that a single dose of TENS will decrease pain
and improve function and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. This project is
particularly innovative because it is the first known study to examine the efficacy of TENS,
an established safe, inexpensive and easy-to-use non-pharmacologic pain management
intervention, for treating acute oral mucositis pain. The investigators research translates
bench (animal model) science to human subjects using an interdisciplinary approach to pain
management. Establishing whether TENS is effective for reducing mucositis pain is a critical
first step toward establishing an effective, non-pharmacologic pain relief intervention for
mucositis.