Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Chronic Pain

 30-Second Blog “Snapshot:” 

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that delivers low-voltage electrical currents to areas causing chronic pain.
  • This procedure is generally recommended for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions such as back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, tendinitis, bursitis or osteoarthritis.
  • Utah’s leading pain management practice discusses the benefits of TENS units for chronic pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a unique, highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition. Individuals with muscle, joint or bone problems, as well as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, tendinitis or bursitis often benefit most from this therapy.

TENS is a relatively simple procedure that attaches low-voltage electrode pads to the skin of a patient and delivers electrical impulses to areas causing pain. The electrodes are typically placed on pressure points or painful muscles so that electrical impulses can travel along nerve fibers quickly and efficiently. The purpose of TENS is to stimulate nerves within the affected area and prevent them from sending pain signals to the brain. Additionally, many physicians believe TENS have another added benefit: electrical stimulation produces endorphins that block the perception of pain.

During the procedure, a physician cleans the area being treated. Shortly after, he or she attaches electrode pads to the skin. This process is a little less intense than a PENS (percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) procedure, which requires needle electrodes to be inserted into the skin. Once the pads are in place, the physician will turn on the nerve stimulator to transmit electrical currents from the machine to the patient’s body.

Depending on the area being treated, or the patient’s condition and symptom severity, a TENS procedure could last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. Patients interested in TENS should consult their Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician. A pain specialist will determine whether or not you’re a candidate for this procedure shortly after administering a thorough health evaluation.

Call Southwest Spine and Pain Center today to learn more about TENS units for your chronic pain management.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, 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.