If you have back pain or a back injury, your doctor or chiropractor may suggest the use of a TENS machine to help with the pain, as an alternative to taking pain medications. How beneficial is TENS for back pain, and how safe is it to use?
What Is TENS for Back Pain?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is a small unit that is typically attached to a belt or waist band, with wires that are attached to the area where one feels pain with wires that are known as electros and adhesive electro pads. Then, the machine delivers electrical impulses to the nerves, and these impulses are thought to diminish pain by blocking pain messages that are sent from the brain and spine.
TENS works to control pain for patients who suffer from back pain due to injury, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, and back strain, as well as back sprains. Thus far, there have been no detrimental side effects or risks from the use of TENS machines for this purpose, and they are appropriate and safe for long term usage.
Back Pain Treatment to Replace TENS
While TENS is beneficial for many people who have various types of chronic back pain, it doesn’t work for everyone. For those that it doesn’t work for, other types of physical therapy, massage, and even surgery may be required.
Sometimes, the pain is so great that pain medication is required. Unfortunately, stronger pain medications are addictive, and can only be used for short periods of time. If they are used for longer periods of time, addiction occurs, and the pain medications stop working because the body adjusts to them.
Some people are not able to use TENS even if it will relieve the pain that they are experiencing. For example, TENS is not thought to be safe for pregnant women. People who have pacemakers or those who have epilepsy also cannot use TENS safely.
Other Uses for TENS
While TENS is most commonly used for back pain, it can be used for other pain throughout the body, depending of course on what causes the pain. In some instances, TENS has been used for women who are in labor to alleviate the pain of contractions. TENS has also been successfully used for the treatment of headaches and migraine headaches.
While TENS is beneficial for lots of different types of pain, there is some controversy as to whether or not it actually is beneficial. Naturally, the effectiveness and the benefits of TENS for back pain depends on the individuals results.
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