Using a TENS Machine for Pain

People who have experienced severe, unrelenting pain may have experienced the use of a TENS machine. TENS refers to transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Through the use of small electrodes, a current is passed into the body to stimulate the nerve and help prevent pain impulses from being transferred through the nerve. TENS are commonly used to inhibit neuropathic pain. This is pain due to nerve damage. Each patient has his or her own degree of success. Much success is based on the patients pain threshold and other differences in their coping ability.

The TENS machine is a safe unit when used properly. It is often given to patients to use at home. This will allow the patient to avoid some of the cost of physical therapy or doctor visits. It is important to apply the electrodes as directed and not to change the settings on the machine without consulting your healthcare professional. Read more about TENS therapy at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcutaneous_electrical_nerve_stimulation

A frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, has shown been shown to ease with the use of a TENS unit. This particular condition has worsened pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Long-term immobility of the shoulder can cause this condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three stages to the condition. One is the initial painful stage. The next is the frozen stage. Last is the thawing stage. The use of a TENS UNIT to hasten the healing or thawing stage is common.

The TENS will inhibit your nerves from carrying pain impulses and potentially increase the secretion of endorphins that help the patient cope with pain.

It is possible for anyone to purchase a TENS machine. They are available in stores that specialize in durable medical equipment as well as several sites on the internet. For the sake of safety, one should not purchase and use the machine without some medical supervision. This supervision can come from a physician or a physical therapist.

There are some precautions that need to be taken with the use of a TENS unit.

• Do not use the machine on the front of the neck. Such use can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.

• Do not use if you have a pacemaker or an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defbrillator).

• It is not recommended to be use internally.

• The TENS unit should not be placed on an open wound. They may be placed on the area around the wound.

• Numb skin should also be avoided. If the skin is numb due to nerve damage, it is difficult to assess the intensity of the TENS and therefore, damage to the area will occur.

• If you have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, avoid placing the electrodes over that tumor. There are many cells in this type of tumor that are encouraged to grow with the use of electricity.

• Do not place the electrodes on the front of the chest and directly behind the heart. This can cause stimulation to the heart.

With proper use, the TENS unit is a safe machine to use in many painful situations. Muscle spasms and other chronic pain conditions are the most successfully relieved with the use of the machine