All About Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS-Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is one of the effective methods of pain relief that involve the use of mild electrical current. This machine is a small, battery-operated device, leads connected to pads called electrodes. You need to just attach the sticky pads to your skin. The electrode pad manufacturer uses a special type of gel in the pads which impulse a small amount of electric current to the affected area of the body. This gives you feel a tingling sensation. The electric pads' impulses can reduce the signals of pain going to the spinal cord and the human brain. This may help relax muscles and relieve pain.

What Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is used for?

TENS may stimulate endorphins production which a natural painkiller. TENS units in reducing pain and different muscle spasms caused by many conditions like:

  • Joint pain
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Knee pain
  • Labor pain
  • Pelvic pain

It also alleviates pain that caused by the following conditions:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis
  • Painful diabetic neuropathy
  • Sports injuries
  • Spinal cord injury

You can achieve an appropriate level of electric current which is painkiller by the following aspects:

Duration:

The duration is a microsecond’s number that the electric current enters for during each pulse.

Intensity:

A dial on the machine allows you to adjust the intensity level of the electrical stimulation.

Frequency:

The frequency in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. High-frequency pulses may help manage acute pain, the range starts from 80 to 120 cycles per second. On the other hand, low-frequency pulses are suitable for chronic pain treatment and their range is from 1 to 20 cycles per second.

How to use the painkiller electrical pads?

The TENS machine is small and lightweight. You can use it while working as well. Moreover, you can put it in your pocket and to hold you can clip to your belt.

Pads position:

Always make sure that the machine is switched off before attaching it to the skin. Never place the electrical pads over:

  • Eyes and mouth
  • Chest and upper back at the same time
  • Front and sides of the neck
  • Infected, broken or irritated skin
  • Varicose veins