| Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Electrical nerve stimulation, also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS), is a noninvasive, drug-free pain management technique. By sending electrical
signals to underlying nerves, the battery-powered TENS device can relieve a wide range of
chronic and acute pain.
Purpose for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TENS is used to relieve pain caused by a variety of chronic conditions, including:
- Neck and lower back pain
- Headache/migraine
- Arthritis
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (lingering chronic pain after an attack of shingles)
- Sciatica (pain radiating from lower back, through the legs, to the foot)
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Amputation (phantom limb)
- Fibromyalgia (a condition causing aching and stiffness throughout the body).
The device is also effective against short-term pain, such as:
- Shingles (painful skin eruptions along the nerves)
- Bursitis (inflammation of tissue surrounding a joint)
- Childbirth
- Post-surgical pain
- Fractures
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Menstrual cramps.
Precautions with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Because TENS may interfere with pacemaker function, patients with pacemakers should
consult a cardiologist before using a TENS unit. Patients should also avoid electrical
stimulation in the front of the neck, which can be hazardous. The safety of the device
during pregnancy has not been established.
TENS doesn't cure any condition; it simply eases pain. Patients who are not sure what
is causing their pain should consult a physician before using TENS.
Information about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
The TENS device is a small battery-powered stimulator that produces low-intensity
electrical signals through electrodes on or near a painful area, producing a tingling
sensation that reduces pain. There is no dosage limitation, and the patient controls the
amount of pain relief.
Some experts believe TENS works by blocking pain signals in the spinal cord, or by
delivering electrical impulses to underlying nerve fibers that lessen the experience of
pain. Others suspect that the electrical stimulation triggers the release of natural
painkillers in the body.
Patients can rent a TENS unit before buying one, to see if it is effective against
their pain.
Preparation for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
After TENS has been prescribed, a doctor will refer the patient to a TENS specialist,
who will explain how to use the machine. The specialist works with the patient to
determine the settings and electrode placements for the best pain relief.
Risks associated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TENS is nonaddictive and completely safe. The only side effect may be a slight skin
irritation or redness in some people, which can be prevented by using different gels or
electrodes.
Normal results with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
The amount of relief a person gets using TENS depends on the underlying cause of the
pain, a person's mental state, and whether or not medication is also used. At least one
study found that both a real TENS machine and a placebo were equally effective in reducing
pain. This suggests that at least part of its effectiveness may be due to the patient's
belief in its ability to ease pain. |
