Blog The most important uses of a tens unit

The use of low-voltage electric currents to relieve pain is known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

The electricity is delivered to the nerves via a tiny device, eliminating pain perception.

How exactly does the TENS unit work

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of an electrical impulse to the skin of humans for pain relief. The current travels from the generator through a wire to be discharged onto the skin with sticky pads. When the nerves are flooded with electrical current, it distorts the pain perception pain signals to the brain and spinal cord is reduced.

A 9-volt battery powers the TENS machine, which generates pain-relieving electrical pulses. Self-adhesive electrodes, either single channel or dual channel, are applied to the skin and connected to the TENS unit via lead wires.

Modified electrical pulses are sent from the TENS device to the nerves beneath the skin's surface through lead cables and electrodes. It affects the superficial and spinal nerves that run through the brain.

Simply put, the TENS unit tricks the brain into not feeling as much of the pain you are suffering.

What type of pain is a TENS unit used for?

People with musculoskeletal discomforts, such as long-term chronic back pain or knee joint arthritis, are the most prevalent users of TENS units.

TENS units are also commonly used for pain management during the early stages of labor, especially if the mother is at home.

TENS can also help with sciatica pain. Even the radiating and often debilitating shooting pains that patients frequently feel have been proven to be relieved by it. It's a safe and, fortunately, non-addictive painkiller that could help you reduce pain and regain movement if you're suffering from sciatica.

A TENS unit is also effective for postoperative pain relief.

TENS units have also been found to help ease inflammation pain.

Precautions when using TENS:

Unlike the popular myth, no evidence exists that TENS units induce nerve injury. It has been around for years and is safe as a medical machine. There are some precautions although which you should ensure.

• Do not use TENS directly on your chest or upper back, which means do not use it directly over the heart.
• Do not use the TENS unit on your head, in the middle of the brain.
• TENS should not be used on the carotid sinus, which is the area on the neck near the jaw and just below the ear where the carotid artery is located.
• Do not use TENS therapy for heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
• TENS therapy should not be used over or near locations where an electronic device has been implanted. TENS may cause these gadgets to break down or malfunction.
• Do not use the TENS unit in the early stages of pregnancy, especially in the area of the pregnancy, except during labor, which is one of the most common uses of TENS therapy.
• TENS can be used for as long as you want during the day. However, it should not be used while operating machinery, driving, or in the bath or shower.
• Last and most important, do not use TENS if you are not aware of the reason for the pain, consult your doctor and address the pain and why it is occurring.

Setting up your TENS unit:

TENS units are easy to set up and use medical devices. Here's all you need to know:

It comes in a small bag with some batteries and electrode wires. First and foremost, put in the batteries in the TENS unit.  

After that, put in the electrode wires in the TENS unit, which are responsible for transferring electricity from the unit to your muscles. Put the bent end of the electrode wires into the TENS unit.

Time to connect the electrodes now; the four of them will likely be in a separate bag. Connect the electrodes to the straight end of the electrode wires.

Now the use of the four electrodes depends on the pain area. Use four if you have pain in a larger area covered by four electrodes.

If the pain area is smaller, you should use two electrodes on the area of pain.

That's it; you are now good to go and apply the TENS unit to the area of your pain.

Applying the electrodes of the TENS unit to the body:

Here is a quick guide on how to apply the electrodes of the TENS unit to the body for pain management.

Applying two electrodes to the body:

Electrodes are sticky, and that's how they stick to your body. You would want to avoid touching the sticky area of the electrodes a lot as it will lose its stickiness.

Just peel off one of the electrodes and put it on the body, then do the same with the second electrode and put it on your body too. You need to ensure that you put the area of the pain in between the two electrodes.

Applying four electrodes to the body:

If you are to use the TENS unit for the pain in larger areas, like in case of neck pain or back pain.

Add another electrode wire to the TENS unit and repeat the procedure.

When applying the four electrodes, you need to put the area of the pain in the middle of the pain. But it is done in a way that four electrodes make the square shape on your back in a criss-cross pattern.

If you use the TENS unit for leg pain, follow the same procedure; apply two electrodes on the lower back and two on the legs.

Turning the TENS unit on and off:

Begin with a low setting and increase until you get a powerful but pleasant sensation. Reduce it slightly if the tingling sensation becomes painful or uncomfortable. After using the TENS machine, please turn it off and remove the electrodes from your skin.

How long can you use the TENS unit for pain management:

TENS is effective if used up to four times daily for 30-60 minutes. For up to four hours, TENS can bring relief.

Do not use the TENS unit the whole day, as it is highly not recommended.

Conclusion:

While in use, TENS treatment gives momentary pain alleviation. TENS is a low-risk pain management alternative for many patients and has helped hundreds of patients relieve extensive pain. It is great for acute pain but is most influential and highly recommended for chronic pain.

Pain can be lessened for up to 4 hours after using the TENs machine regularly. TENs are seen as a pain-relieving tool rather than a cure. Consult your physician for more details and information.

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