A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit is widely used in pain management for relieving back and muscle pain. The machine generates electrical impulses that occupy slower pain impulses that travel along the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. The millions of electrical impulses don’t simply stop pain, rather slow down pain signals and trick the brain into focusing on the relieving, high-speed TENS stimulation.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our board certified pain specialists are committed to finding a treatment plan that gives patients their lives back. As the best solution to your chronic pain questions, Southwest Spine and Pain Center provides treatment for acute and chronic conditions in four convenient Utah locations.
Blocking pain signals is the most utilized strategies for managing chronic pain. Neurostimulation is a process that sends signals to the nerves to either slow down or block pan signals leading to the spine and brain. TENS is usually used for back pain treatment and dates back to the 60s in pain medicine. The gate control theory of pain states that nerve stimulation closes a “gate” of the spinal cord, which can reduce pain sensations.
The actual treatment process with the TENS unit involves placing electrode on the body where the area of pain is. Electrical impulses give a tingling sensation and reduced pain is felt almost immediately. Nerve stimulation could also help the body produce endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
Determining the value of TENS for a chronic pain patient is decided after a thorough examination of your pain specialist. Once approved, specific instructions will help patients learn how to use it and what precautions to take including:
- Report to physician if condition changes
- Check and clean the skin before placing electrodes on
- Stop TENS if a rash or burn develops and lasts for more than 6 hours (then call your physician)
- Electrodes should not be placed on broken/irritated skin
- Do not drive while using TENS
- Do not get TENS unit wet
- Do use TENS while sleeping
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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