10 Facts To Know About Tens

How much do you know about TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)? If you have nerve diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or ulnar neuropathy, you might want to try TENS therapy to help control your symptoms. As a result, here are ten facts about TENS to help you understand this nerve problem treatment:

#1 What it Is

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) transmits low electrical impulses through a person's skin. These impulses are utilized to diminish or prevent the transmission of pain signals to the brain and spinal cord. In a nutshell, this battery-powered device employs electrical impulses to alleviate pain caused by nerve problems.

#2 How it Works

TENS functions in two distinct ways. For starters, it uses electrical impulses to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. As long as the brain does not receive pain signals, you will not feel pain. TENS works by increasing the body's synthesis of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. TENS is so successful because it combines both of these actions.

#3 Who it Can Help

TENS therapy can be used to relieve pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and neuropathy. It is regarded as a safe treatment for the majority of people, with a few outliers. People with epilepsy, heart issues, pacemakers or other electrical implants, and pregnant women should avoid using TENS unless prescribed by a doctor. 

#4 TENS is Non-Invasive

One major advantage of TENS therapy is that it is non-invasive, as the entire device is external. Furthermore, employing TENS to regulate pain levels generally leads to patients requiring fewer pain drugs. TENS, unlike some prescription pain drugs, does not induce addiction or bad side effects.

#5 TENS is Portable

TENS is also portable, practical, and simple to use, allowing people to control pain whenever and wherever they feel it. The TENS device is compact and portable, fitting easily into a belt, pocket, or purse. Because you can take the unit with you, there is no need to schedule appointments with your doctor to receive pain relief.

#6 How Long Pain Relief Lasts

The duration of pain alleviation varies depending on the individual. Some patients get pain relief only when the device is active. Others, however, may have pain relief for up to 24 hours after utilizing the device. In rare circumstances, repeated TENS treatments might prolong pain alleviation.

#7 Potential Side Effects

TENS, like most medical therapies, can cause some negative effects. However, these adverse effects are uncommon and moderate. The most common side effect of TENS therapy is an allergy to the adhesive pads that hold the electrodes to the skin. In such circumstances, hypoallergenic pads can be used to alleviate skin discomfort.

#8 TENS Doesn’t Hurt

TENS therapy should not cause any pain. Once the unit is turned on, you should notice tapping, tingling, and possibly muscle contractions. If these feelings make you uncomfortable, you may need to turn the unit down. If these feelings are mild or absent, you may need to turn the unit up.

#9 How Long to Use TENS

To treat your pain with TENS therapy, use the device for 15-minute sessions. However, your physician may provide you with special directions for utilizing your TENS machine.

#10 You Can Adjust TENS

Each TENS machine allows you to control the electrical current's intensity, frequency, and duration. A dial allows you to adjust the electrical pulse's intensity, frequency, and duration. Changing the frequency might also help to manage various forms of pain. For example, high-frequency pulses (80-120 cycles per second) can assist treat acute pain, but low-frequency pulses (1-20 cycles per second) can treat chronic pain. Your doctor will help you calibrate your device so that it works for you, but you will be able to make changes as needed.