How effective are TENS machine therapies? TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, has been around for decades, but it is relatively new to patients. Many studies have looked at the effectiveness of TENS machine therapies, but all research projects have been inconclusive. However, TENS machine therapies are an effective form of alternative therapy for some individuals.
Patients typically receive the treatment in a clinic or health care facility, where they lay face down on a table under a TENS machine and are attached to electrodes by specially designed clothing. The patient then feels the pads on their skin, which generally contain a small amount of gel that “tens” the amount of electrical current that passes through the electrodes. The skin discomfort usually goes away within about 15 minutes, but it can take longer with certain types of skin conditions, more info here.
Patients typically receive treatments for chronic neck pain, arthritic back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions are usually caused by damage to the nerves in the spine or extremities. As the name implies, the TENS machine works by passing mild electrical pain signals through the scalp and into the spinal cord. This procedure provides relief from chronic pain signals and enables injured or aging people to move more comfortably, without the fear of hurting their muscles.
There are some precautions that patients should follow before using TENS machine treatments. Although this procedure uses very small amounts of electricity, using it as a treatment for pain can still be potentially dangerous if the patient does not follow the proper precautions. TENS painkillers are available over the counter in most drug stores, and they can help provide some relief from pain. It is essential to discuss these options with a health care provider and ask whether they would recommend using a tens machine before trying it out. Some health care providers are comfortable using painkillers, but others would prefer to avoid using these medications if possible since they can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting.
TENS machine treatments can also help people suffering from diseases such as fibromyalgia. This condition causes continuous and regular electrical impulses throughout the body. In most cases, the electrical impulses cause the muscles to relax, relieving the patient of pain. However, in people with chronic fibromyalgia, continuous electrical impulses cause the muscles to inflate, causing even more pain.
While using a TENS machine provides relief from pain, it is essential to exercise regularly to promote healing and reduce tension. Patients should also make sure that they sleep well every night and consume healthy meals. Some health care professionals would recommend TENS treatment and lifestyle changes for patients who do not feel that they can handle applying pressure on their muscles. For example, TENS equipment cannot be used on patients with a history of epilepsy or bedwetting. If you are interested in trying this type of treatment, talk to your doctor to determine whether it is safe for your particular condition. More info here.