Chronic pain often prevents people from living their lives to the fullest. This type of pain lasts for more than three months and can be caused by a number of factors, such as arthritis, muscle sprains, or work-related injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. While medications may temporarily mask the symptoms of chronic pain, they aren’t intended to cure the root cause of the condition and can lead to harmful side effects that could outweigh any benefits they provide.

How it works

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This treatment works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the surface of the skin. The impulses stimulate the natural release of endorphins, and these endorphins trigger relief in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. It also has been shown to help alleviate lower back pain.

The benefit of this type of treatment is that it can be done at home on your own time, making it ideal for people who need constant pain relief or who have difficulty getting around. It also is gentle enough not to cause any discomfort or adverse side effects, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for alternatives to pain medications. In addition, studies show that over 80% of people who use a TENS unit report reduced pain levels.

How you use your TENS unit will depend on your particular situation. If you have arthritis, for example, you can place it at key points around your body to help relieve pain in those areas. If you suffer from lower back pain, placing pads on either side of your spine can deliver relief through stimulation of nerves and trigger points in that area. In some cases, you may choose to combine traditional medication or therapy with electrotherapy as part of an overall treatment plan.

Studies show that short term relief can be achieved through the application of electric pulses which might provide relief lasting up to an hour after the machine has been turned off.

The benefits of using a TENS unit

A TENS unit will give you some relief and allow you to do your daily tasks and will allow for more free time by not having to take so many painkillers. It does not have the same side effects that taking painkillers might have, like addiction or stomach bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Also, the equipment is relatively inexpensive, which will save money in the long run because you won’t need to buy as many expensive medications on a continual basis. Some people say it helps them feel less stressed about their chronic pain. TENS units come in different shapes and sizes, but most often they are small enough to fit on a belt around your waist. These devices use electrical impulses to stimulate nerve endings in the skin, muscles, and nerves. In turn, this stimulates natural endorphins that can block pain signals from reaching the brain. You may also feel numbness and tingling sensations while using a TENS machine.

What are its side effects?

TENS units are often safe and well-tolerated but, as is the case with all medications, may have side effects. These may include headaches, mild skin irritation, local muscle soreness and stiff joints. A physician should be consulted prior to use in any person with a heart pacemaker or seizure disorder. If unsure of whether it is safe for you to use this device, speak to your doctor first! If any one of these symptoms last more than three days: redness, rash, severe pain; flu-like symptoms such as fever; difficulty breathing; sudden weight gain; sudden mood changes (e.g., confusion) seek medical attention immediately.

How do you use a tens machine?

TENS Units work by applying electrical stimulation to the muscle or nerve tissue. The impulses are too short and strong to make muscles contract, but they can improve blood flow, relax tight muscles, block pain signals and stimulate nerves that may help relieve pain. To use the machine, you will need pads connected to wires that attach to the body close to where your pain is located. In some cases, the electrodes are self-adhesive.

The TENS unit sends electric pulses through these electrodes and over to your muscles. You can control how much of an electric current you receive by adjusting a dial on the device’s faceplate. Some people find it helpful to start with a lower setting and increase gradually as their tolerance increases. Others find it more effective to turn up the power all at once. Your doctor or physical therapist can advise you on what setting might be best for you.

Things to look out for while buying one

When choosing a device, it’s important to think about what level of intensity you need, what your budget is, and how often you need it. We found that the most important things to look for in your device are: power rating (preferably over 200 mA), pulse width (adjustable), pulse rate (adjustable), electrode pads with gel, pain relief type (TENS only or TENS & EMS). If your chronic pain affects more than one part of your body, you may want to buy two devices so that you can use them on different parts at the same time.

If you have fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, or arthritis then chances are a TENS unit will be useful for relieving some of your symptoms. Some people who suffer from these conditions also find that their prescription medications stop working as well after prolonged use. If this happens, make sure to let your doctor know.

When should you visit your doctor?

There are different types of pain that can be treated effectively using the right treatment method. If you know what is causing your pain and what type of treatment to use, you should visit your doctor and take care of the problem. For example, if you have low back pain due to osteoarthritis, then using treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will work well for you. Visiting your doctor can also help you stay on top of any other symptoms that may develop. For instance, if you were diagnosed with diabetes years ago but are still experiencing chronic pain in your feet or legs, it might be time to reevaluate whether diabetes has had an effect on your nerves and muscles. It’s never too late to get relief from chronic pain!