According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, approximately 8.2 percent of adults in the US suffer from chronic back pain. Among these, nearly 75 of the patients report severe impairment of their mobility leading to reduced social interactions, hindered work performance, as well as compromised self-care. Among other treatment options, TENS therapy for back pain is often talked about. But most people wonder if it is actually as effective as claimed.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy is effective against chronic low back pain
In this article, let us go through some of the benefits of TENS therapy for back pain. In addition, we will also look into some of the best TENS unit brands available in the US market.
What is TENS Therapy?
TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, unit is a pain relief method that employs electric current. It is based on a small, compact device which operates with a battery. The electrodes connected to the device are attached to an adhesive base and are then stuck on the skin. As soon as the device is turned on, a low-frequency electric current is passed through the aching muscle.
TENS Therapy for Back Pain
The applications of TENS therapy for back pain treatment are often talked about. The electrodes of the unit are placed on the back muscles near a nerve. The electric current changes the perception of pain so the person feels relieved for a few hours after therapy. Some people report relief for up to 4 hours while others say that the TENS therapy for back pain remained effective for up to 24 hours.
Using TENS Therapy for Back Pain
Placement of the TENS Unit Electrodes
The TENS unit often comes with two or four electrodes which are to be placed on the lower back. Each electrode should be placed on either side of the painful area. The electrodes can also be put on either side of the spine or on the same side depending upon the area affected by pain. Make sure that the electrodes are 1 inch apart from each other.
However, in the case of four electrodes, you can put them above and below the painful area. It is not recommended to place the TENS unit electrodes directly on the spine. Therefore, always place the electrodes on the skin near the spine. Another essential factor is to remove any metallic objects worn near the painful area before placing the electrodes.
Setting the Frequency
For the management of back pain, the suitable frequency of the TENS therapy unit is between 50 Hertz (Hz) to 150 Hz. However, it can be adjusted based on the patient’s needs.
Duration of Therapy
The TENS therapy for back pain should be conducted for a duration of 15 to 60 minutes. However, for first-time users, it is best to start with 30-minute long sessions. You can take up to 4 sessions per day.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy causes significant pain reduction
Benefits of TENS Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
When TENS therapy for back pain treatment is employed, it provides the following benefits:
1. Release of Endorphins
Endorphins are the pain-relieving chemical substances that are produced by our body. If endorphins are released in appropriate concentration, back pain goes away on its own as they work like a pain-killer from the inside of the body.
When TENS therapy for back pain is employed, one of the ways it works is by forcing the body to release more endorphins. As a result, the back pain is reduced.
2. Lowering of Inflammation
When we feel pain in the body, it is often accompanied by inflammation which can be deeper into the muscles. Here, the role of TENS therapy for back pain comes into play. Once the electrodes are placed on the lower back, their electric signals tend to work on the inflamed area which starts healing. After a few sessions, inflammation is gone as well as the pain associated with it.
3. Increased Blood Circulation
The use of a TENS unit increases blood circulation in the affected area. With increased blood supply, oxygen, and nutrients reach the area and start the process of healing.
TENS machine reduces chronic pain in the back by altering pain signals to the brain
Apart from these, the TENS therapy for back pain provides several other benefits:
- The TENS therapy for back pain is a non-invasive method.
- The TENS therapy for back pain can be conducted by the patient themselves as the device is easy to use. Therefore, the services of a healthcare provider or a caregiver are not necessary.
- The TENS unit is a portable system that is small and compact in size. Therefore, it can be carried along easily and can be used in homes, offices, or while traveling.
- If a patient feels relief with the use of TENS therapy for back pain treatment, the need for pain-relief medications is eliminated.
- Most TENS therapy units work in different modes which include providing massage to the area, providing heat therapy to the aching muscles, or both at the same time. This is beneficial for aching back muscles which need a thorough massage along with warm therapy for soothing.
Is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy Actually Effective?
Several studies have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of TENS therapy for back pain as well as other body aches. Most of these concluded with negative results indicating that the TENS therapy is not as effective as it is claimed.
This is because of the following reasons:
Symptomatic Treatment
TENS therapy for pain or for other body aches focuses on alleviating the symptoms not the cause of pain. Therefore, the relief is temporary.
Tolerance
After multiple uses, a person becomes tolerant to the effects of the therapy. Therefore, the intensity of the electric current needs to be increased which can cause harm to the skin.
A TENS machine has sticky pads called electrodes which attach to the skin to lower chronic or acute pain
TENS Units at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
TENS therapy for back pain is an effective as well as inexpensive method. It is effective in some people who claim that their back pain healed after being employed in the TENS therapy unit. The product is portable and small in size to even fit in your pocket. Some of these TENS therapy brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 Intensity7 5 Modes Silver Coating
DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 Intensity7 5 Modes Silver Coating
US$42.88
Product Details
DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 intensity7 5 modes silver coating is a device that is ideal for the treatment of back pain as well as other body aches. It can be operated in five different modes which include normal, burst, modulation, modulation duration 1 (SD1), as well as modulation duration 2 (SD2).
The product can be set at 12 different intensity levels which allow the user to increase or decrease the level of electric signal reaching into their muscles. This is beneficial because, with time, most people become tolerant to one intensity level which can then be adjusted to achieve relief from pain effectively.
When it comes to the time duration of the therapy, the device can work up to 60 minutes for a single session. The DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 is highly durable because it is coated with silver which enhances its overall work lifespan.
In addition to the device, the carrying case of these DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 units also contains accessories which include four reusable electrodes, a 9-volt battery, two lead wires, as well as a quick start guide for those using the TENS therapy for back pain for the first time.
RMDT6070 TENS 7000 To Go w/ Back Pain Relief System
RMDT6070 TENS 7000 To Go w/ Back Pain Relief System
US$58.88
Product Details
RMDT6070 TENS 7000 is a small and compact pain relief unit that is designed to target the affected area with electric current. The product comes with pre-set parameters which can be adjusted if the patient does not find them suitable according to their needs.
The RMDT6070 TENS 7000 is a battery-operated system that is long-lasting thus the need for frequent charging is eliminated. As for the intensity levels, these can be changed from low to high depending upon the user’s pain level.
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 battery-operated device that is employed for TENS therapy for back pain relief. The product has the dimensions of 28.1 x 6 x 6 cm and weighs only 400 grams which renders it lightweight and portable.
These EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy devices are sold along with multiple accessories which include 16 electrode replacement pads. These come in three sizes i.e. small, medium, and large. Moreover, the carrying case contains the TENS massager unit, muscle stimulator pads, USB charging cable, socks, gloves, as well as sandals.
In addition, a detailed instructions manual is also provided which guides the users step-by-step. These EMS Tens Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy devices are used for relieving back pain as well as pain in other body parts. Another role that these systems can play is the burning of body fat.
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 another ideal product for TENS therapy for back pain. The product does not have separate accessories. Rather, a single device contains all the components already attached to it.
The dimensions of the product are 7” x 3.75”. The device also has a remote control which means it can be operated with just one click without adjusting any settings. In addition, these Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulators and TENS units have three modes which include TENS massager only, TENS plus heat, or heat only option.
As for other parameters, the temperature of this TENS unit can be adjusted at one of the two available options. In addition, 20 intensity options are available to choose from which cover 8 modes.
These Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS therapy units are wireless systems which is why there is no need to carry a lot of things together while traveling with the device. The rechargeable battery keeps the system effectively working for longer. The product comes in white and has a 2-year warranty.
The construction material is plastic which makes the product easy to carry. These Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS therapy units are effective against back pain, shoulder and neck aches, as well as pain in the arms, legs, and waist.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
A TENS unit is highly effective against acute lower back pain
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 pain relief products.
Conclusion
As chronic back pain restricts a person’s day-to-day activities, it needs to be treated with medicated and non-medicated options. Among many options available, the use of TENS therapy for back pain is often preferred by the patients.
The therapy works by changing the perception of pain and thus helping the patient with quick pain relief. However, studies claim that the efficacy of TENS is not significant or superior to other treatment options. Therefore, it can be said that the product should be employed depending on how your body responds to it.
Keeping in mind the effectiveness of TENS therapy for back pain, the unit should be bought and kept at home or in offices for quick pain relief. 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
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.
