Everything You Need to Know About a TENS Unit

A TENS unit is a commonly used device for treating different types of pain. It delivers small electrical impulses into a person’s skin through electrodes with adhesive pads. These impulses reduce the ability of the nervous system to transmit pain signals to the brain and spine. They further stimulate the body to produce endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. The results delivered by a tens machine have led to its popularity in recent times. So, if you wish to learn more about it, read the following section.

What are the uses of the TENS unit?   

The TENS unit treats symptoms like:

• Labour pain
• Period pain
• Joint pain
• Back and neck pain
• Postoperative pain

The machine can alleviate pain related to the following health conditions:

• Arthritis
• Endometriosis
• Sports injuries
• Spine injury
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis

A tens machine has controls that allow people to administer pain relief according to their respective needs. You can do this by altering the electrical current’s duration, frequency and intensity.

What are the benefits of using a TENS machine?

TENS is a non-invasive way of treating pain. People experiencing pain relief in this method can reduce their intake of pain medications that can sometimes cause adverse side effects or even be addictive.

TENS units are also convenient as they are discrete, portable and small. You can easily carry a unit in your pocket and clip it onto your belt to relieve pain whenever you need it. 

Are there any side effects of using a TENS unit?

People using a TENS unit usually don’t experience any side effects. But you may feel slightly uncomfortable with the tingling or prickling sensation caused by it.

Adhesive pads may irritate the skin if you have issues like itchiness or redness. For that, you can try using hypoallergenic pads.

You should also be careful about not placing the electrodes on the front of the eyes or neck. When you put them on the eyes, the pressure within the eyes may increase and result in an injury. If you place the electrodes on the neck, your blood pressure may reduce and cause spasms. 

When should you avoid TENS?

While TENS is safe for most people, you should avoid the treatment if the doctor advises.

The recommendation is applicable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with epilepsy
• People with heart diseases
• People with metal or electrical implants or with a pacemaker.

What factors determine the effectiveness of TENS?

TENS is a pain relief option for many as it involves low levels of risk. However, various things determine its effectiveness. They are:

Tolerance

People using TENS units daily at the same intensity and frequency develop tolerance to them. Therefore, they will not experience the same extent of pain relief as they did in the initial days. 

If you want to prevent this, try alternating between HF and LF TENS in each session. 

Stimulation intensity

The intensity of electrical stimulation also determines TENS’ effectiveness. Doctors usually recommend that the individuals apply the highest intensity TENS they can tolerate. 

Electrode placement

TENS exhibit greater effectiveness when electrodes are placed on acupuncture points as it helps release endorphins.

How long can you expect pain relief to last?

The duration of pain relief may vary. You may experience pain soon after switching off the device or get relief for as long as 24 hours. However, the duration of your pain relief is likely to increase with the continuation of the treatment.

Using a TENS unit is economical and costs much less than pain medication or surgery. The device is auto-programmable and extremely easy to use on an everyday basis. You have a better quality of life when you manage your pains effectively. This way, you can also get involved in the activities you like and remain productive and active throughout the day.