Tens unit how does it work

If your pain is at a manageable level, you may want to leave the unit off and wait to use it again when you have a flare-up. Some people use their TENS only when their pain is most severe, while others use it daily. Just as you would not let others take a medicine that was only prescribed for you, you should not let others use your TENS unit. There is a chance for electrical shock since it is an electrical device.

Also, the unit is not waterproof and would be damaged. But, if the area is large enough to get all 4 patches on, you will get more stimulation, which could give you greater pain relief. TENS units are not routinely covered by insurance, but all companies have different policies. Please call your insurance company to find out if your plan covers a TENS unit. Your best choice is to go back to the vendor where you bought the unit.

You may find patches on-line, but check with the vendor to be sure the patches work with your unit.

Use of Health Topics. TENS instructions Your health care provider may have sent you home with these instructions. Last reviewed:. January Related Health Topics Exercise to treat chronic pain. Most people can use a TENS unit safely, and few will experience side effects.

However, it is best to speak to a doctor before trying TENS either as an alternative treatment or in combination with other methods of pain management. TENS units are available to purchase at some pharmacies and online. Back pain is a widespread but potentially debilitating problem. Fortunately, there are a variety of home remedies to relieve back pain quickly and….

Heating pads can relieve muscle aches and cramps, and help injuries heal. In this article, learn three ways to make a homemade heating pad. Tramadol and Vicodin are pain relief medications that a doctor may prescribe when over-the-counter OTC medications do not prove effective. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain. The pain caused by fibromyalgia may be treated with specific pain relief drugs, or with natural….

What is a TENS unit and does it work? How long does pain relief last? Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Possible side effects. Share on Pinterest If the adhesive pads cause redness or irritation, hypoallergenic pads are available. When to avoid TENS. Does it work?

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including:. It's also sometimes used as a method of pain relief during labour. There's not enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing. Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated.

However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments. If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to a GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic.

A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help. You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it's generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly. Also don't stop all your normal painkilling medication too quickly.

If you are on either a lot of strong painkillers or a number of different ones, it might be worth consulting your GP for advice. Your GP can help you reduce them safely so you have fewer side-effects. There are various types and brands of machine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions supplied with your machine.

TENS machines tend mainly to be used to help reduce pain from problems in muscles, joints and nerves so-called musculoskeletal pain.

They may work better for these problems than for tummy abdominal , chest or head pains. Unlike a lot of medication there are virtually no side-effects when using a TENS machine. However, people with the following must not use a TENS machine:.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Hello,My wife is suffering from a very strange illness wherein she is getting lower back just above lower right near spine and abdomen pain lower right side at the same time. This pain some time Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.