Most people’s work revolves around some kind of desk job today. This forces individuals to sit for longer periods, which often causes stiffness and chronic back pain. No matter how minor it may seem, back pain affects a large chunk of the US population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 39% of adults suffer from back pain. Apart from pain-relief medications, methods like TENS therapy have also been introduced.
TENS therapy is a non-invasive pain relief approach
In this article, let us learn what TENS therapy is and how it helps in back pain relief.
What is TENS Therapy?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS therapy is a process that involves the use of a TENS unit to deliver small electrical impulses to the back muscles for the relief of chronic pain. A TENS unit is a small, portable device that generates a low-voltage electric current and sends it to the muscles near the nerves. This way, the perception of pain is altered.
How Does TENS Therapy Work?
TENS therapy works when the electrodes attached to the TENS unit are attached to the skin. The sticky or adhesive pads of the electrodes secure them in place on the body while the other ends of the wires are attached to a battery-powered box. The system is switched on which then generates low-intensity electrical signals which are then delivered to the muscles to a location near the nerve.
The pain signals sent to the brain and spinal cord are reduced with the use of a TENS therapy unit. This way, the pain intensity a person feels is lowered. It is also said that the electric current produced by the TENS therapy unit forces the body to release pain-reducing chemicals such as endorphins which then relieve the chronic pain.
Parameters like the intensity and frequency of electrical signals can be altered according to the user’s comfort. Generally, low-frequency (LF) pulses range between 1 to 20 cycles per second and are ideal for the treatment of chronic pain. However, high-frequency (HF) pulses fall within the range of 80 to 120 cycles per second and are often employed for the management of acute pain.
TENS therapy unit is effective in managing arthritic pain
Applications of TENS Therapy
TENS therapy is a successful approach to managing acute or chronic pain in different situations. These include the following:
- Back pain relief
- Pain in the neck region
- Joint pain due to arthritis
- Menstrual pain relief
- Labor pain
- Pelvic pain due to endometriosis
- Post-surgical pain relief
- Diabetic neuropathic pain relief
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Pain associated with sports injuries
- Pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Pain caused due to spinal cord injuries
Side Effects of TENS Therapy
Despite being a safe method for pain relief, TENS therapy can cause some side effects in some individuals. These include the following:
- Tingling and pricking sensation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Spasm
- Allergy on the site where the adhesive pad is attached is associated with redness, rash, and irritation
- Burns (in rare cases)
The effectiveness of a TENS therapy unit in back pain relief is well-established
Who Should Avoid TENS Therapy?
Although TENS therapy is a safe method of pain relief, it should be avoided in the following conditions due to the risk of possible side effects. However, if your doctor recommends TENS therapy despite having any of these conditions, you can use it with caution:
- The use of a TENS unit should be avoided in pregnancy, especially in the abdominal and pelvic regions.
- If you have heart problems, TENS therapy might interfere with the natural rhythm of your heart. Therefore, never use a TENS unit without your doctor’s consultation.
- People who have a pacemaker or any other type of electrical or metallic implant in the body should avoid the use of TENS therapy.
- People suffering from epilepsy may get a seizure if the TENS therapy is employed on their head or neck region.
- The use of a TENS unit is also not recommended for the management of cancer pain.
Caution
It is not advised to use the TENS unit in the following situations:
- While driving
- While being near a machine that is switched on
- While taking a bath or a shower
In addition, never put the electrodes of the TENS unit on the eyes or in front of the neck region.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses some of the frequently asked questions about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS therapy:
1. Can I use the TENS therapy unit during pregnancy?
The TENS therapy unit should not be used on the abdomen or the pelvic region during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, during the second and third trimesters, the employment of the device should only be done upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider in conditions where the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
2. Is TENS actually effective?
Despite a bulk of research on the effectiveness of the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS therapy unit, it cannot be said for sure that the method is effective for all users. Many people have reported during the clinical trials the beneficial effects of the products in terms of relieving pain. However, how long these effects last is not the same for everyone.
3. For how long the TENS physical therapy can relieve back pain?
There is no one duration that is established in this regard. Some people report that their pain came back after a few hours while others claim to have found relief for longer. It can be said that the use of a TENS therapy unit can, in most cases, help with back pain for at least 24 hours.
4. What can I do for my chronic back pain?
If you are one of those who suffer from chronic back pain, there are many things you can do to get relief. In fact, the use of a TENS unit is one of the options but it is best to try it after you have tried the other recommended treatments.
For instance, doing certain exercises that release the tension in the back muscles is the best thing you can do for chronic pain. If the pain is unbearable, there are also medicated options that involve the intake of painkillers. You can also take a massage or acupuncture.
5. Where not to put a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit?
It is not suitable to use the TENS unit on the following:
- Swollen or reddened skin
- Open wounds
- Rashes
- On or close to cancerous lesions
- On the backbone
- On throat region
- On the facial region
6. How often should I use a TENS physical therapy unit?
You can use a TENS unit for as many times as you want. However, it is not recommended to exceed the usage time above 20 minutes per session.
TENS therapy unit can be employed for neck pain
TENS Units at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS therapy is a method of pain relief that is non-invasive and non-medicated. The product involves the use of a device that generates electrical signals to change the pain perception in the central nervous system.
Because of their popularity among the patients, many different TENS therapy units are available in the US market. Some of these electrical stimulation devices for TENS therapy are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 Pads Electrical Pulse Full Body Relax Muscle Therapy
EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 Pads Electrical Pulse Full Body Relax Muscle Therapy
US$79.99
Product Details
EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy device is a product employed for the relief of back pain. The product has a weight of up to 400 grams and has dimensions of 28.1 x 6 x 6 cm. The available color of the product is white. Its small size ensures portability as it is very easy to move around with.
It comes with multiple accessories which include 16 electrode replacement pads in small, medium, and large sizes, muscle stimulator pads, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or the TENS massager, electrical stimulator full body relax, stimulator, English button JR309, USB charging cable, as well as an instruction manual. A premium travel carry case is also provided with the product to hold all the accessories.
The primary function of the EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy device is the relief of pain in different body parts. However, it can also be employed for burning fat. Batteries are required for operating the device.
Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway Pro Muscle Stimulator and TENS Unit with Heat Therapy
Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway Pro Muscle Stimulator and TENS Unit with Heat Therapy
US$95.89
Product Details
Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS unit with heat therapy is a product that comes with a remote control. The product comes with a large electrode pad which is 7” x 3.75” in dimension. The device can be operated for pain relief in three modes: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS massager only, TENS plus heat, or heat only option.
Moreover, when it comes to setting the temperature of the device, two temperature options are available for customized needs. As for the intensity level, 20 intensity levels are available with 8 modes.
These Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS therapy units are wireless and can be operated with a remote control. The product works with a rechargeable battery and can be employed for the treatment of pain in the shoulders, neck, waist, arms, legs, and back.
The color of the product is white and the construction material is plastic which renders it lightweight and portable. These Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS therapy units have a warranty of up to 2 years.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Headaches can also be managed by the use of a TENS therapy unit
The TENS therapy units mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of chronic pain relief products.
Conclusion
With the evolution of our job types, most people spend their day sitting in front of a desk for long hours. This lifestyle comes with issues like frequent back pain, knee aches, muscle stiffness, etc. As a solution to the problem, people have become accustomed to taking painkillers. However, a non-invasive and non-medicated solution is also available in the form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS therapy unit.
The product works by sending low-frequency TENS electrical signals to the aching muscle which numbs the area by altering the sensation of acute or chronic pain. This way, it relieves the back pain effectively. Owing to its efficacy, the TENS therapy unit can be employed for the management of knee, shoulder, and pelvic pain as well.
Considering their importance, TENS units must be kept at home if you or your loved ones suffer from back or body pain. For purchasing different TENS therapy unit brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db415.htm
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
