Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Do you tend to reach for the medicine cabinet to grab painkillers whenever you experience acute or chronic pain? Although it may seem like the easiest option, pharmaceutical drugs can significantly damage vital organs if taken too frequently. Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
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TENS is a non-invasive, therapeutic, drug-free type of pain management. The machine contains a small battery that delivers a low-voltage electrical current to the nerves via electrodes attached to the user’s skin. These machines have been used for decades to relieve various types of pain all over the body, including acute and chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and nerve damage. Better yet, TENS is now available in small, portable and convenient devices. Plus, they are painless if used properly, and work much faster than typical painkillers. The cost of this device greatly varies, depending on where you buy it, but will improve your daily quality of life and make it easier to stay focused and productive.
Listed below, you will get a more in – depth look into the TENS device and how it works, along with the benefits and potential side effects that you should be aware of before purchasing.
What is a TENS device?
The TENS is a small, portable device that gently sends low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate nerves, thereby reducing pain. The device consists of a battery-operated generator, leads, and electrodes. The generator produces electrical impulses that are then transmitted through the leads to the electrodes. The electrodes are typically sticky pads that easily adhere to the skin and can be placed just about anywhere on the body.
How does it work?
The electrical impulses produced by the TENS machine effectively stimulate the nerves, which can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This process is also referred to as gate control theory.
The theory suggests that the electrical impulses created by the TENS machine stimulate the nerve fibers that carry touch and pressure sensations, which can help to override the pain signals that are carried by the smaller nerve fibers. Additionally, the electrical impulses help to stimulate the body to release natural painkillers into the bloodstream, such as endorphins and serotonin, further reducing pain.
How To Use It At Home
To use a TENS device at home, the first step is to consult with your primary doctor to determine if TENS therapy is a suitable treatment option for your condition. If it is, the healthcare provider may recommend a specific TENS machine and provide instructions on how to use it. There are several steps that you need to follow in order to use this device at home safely and properly.
First, clean and dry the area of skin where the pain is resonating from. Then, attach the electrodes to the leads, making sure that they are firmly connected. Don’t forget to remove the backing from the electrodes before placing them on the skin at the site of the pain. Make sure that the electrodes are placed at least an inch apart from each other.
When you’re ready, turn on the device and adjust the settings as recommended by your doctor. The settings should include the intensity of the electrical impulses, the frequency, and the duration of the therapy. Once the settings are adjusted, gradually increase the intensity of the electrical impulses until a comfortable level is reached. Do not exceed the recommended intensity level, as this can lead to skin irritation and nerve damage.
Leave the electrodes in place for the recommended duration of therapy, which may vary depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the pain. Once the therapy is complete, turn off the device and carefully remove the electrodes from the skin. Additionally, it is also essential to regularly clean the electrodes and store the device in a clean and safe place, in order to keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible.
Benefits
There are several benefits of using a TENS device at home. To begin with, it is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require rest time, needles or surgery. It also does not involve the use of drugs, which reduces the risk of side effects that often occur due to pharmaceuticals. Better yet, these devices are small, painless, portable, cost- effective and generally considered safe when used correctly.
Potential Side Effects And Important Precautions
While TENS therapy does have quite a few upsides, there are some potential side effects that you need to keep in mind. These include:
– Skin irritation: The electrodes used in TENS therapy can cause skin irritation, redness, or rash in some people. To minimize the risk of skin irritation, it is important to use high-quality electrodes and clean the skin before and after each session.
– Muscle twitching: The electrical impulses generated by the TENS machine can cause muscle twitching or spasms in some people. To minimize the risk of muscle twitching, start with a low intensity level and gradually increase it as tolerated.
Final Thoughts
TENS therapy may not be suitable for everyone, including people with pacemakers, epilepsy, or other medical conditions that can be affected by electrical impulses. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using this device.
Also, it’s worth noting that this is not a cure. TENS therapy is a pain management therapy that can only help to reduce pain temporarily, it cannot treat or get rid of the underlying condition or cause of the pain. To achieve that, you will need to seek out professional medical attention.
