subject: The Use Of Tens Machines For Pain Relief [print this page] There is a long history of using electrical stimulation to reduce pain going back as far as 60 AD when standing on electrical fish was recommended! The basis of TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines derives from this observation and from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries it was used for pain relief in various ways being recommended by Benjamin Johnson among others as an effective method.
However, modern TENS machines really derive from the methods patented in 1974 in the US. This arose from the observation that patients who were to have electrodes implanted in their spines found some relief from back pain after electrical stimulation was applied. The electrodes were to be implanted for pain relief but many of the patients found enough relief from the electrical stimulation applied to the skin that they never returned for the procedure to implant the electrodes. The patent for the system was granted to Medtronic who began manufacturing the earliest form of TENS for sale in the US. Later the patent was bought by Empi.inc who began manufacturing the units in the 1980's.
How does TENS work?
TENS works to reduce pain by producing a small electrical current on the skin. It is thought to work in two ways to relieve pain. The electrical current, when used at high frequencies, transmits signals along larger nerves to block the transmission of pain stimuli to the brain. At lower frequencies the production of endorphins, the bodies own natural painkillers, is stimulated. The release of endorphins allows the pain relief to continue after the TENS machine is switched off. In some case, even after the stimulus for the pain ceases the nerves can continue to transmit pain messages to the brain. Using electrical stimulation can break the cycle of pain by reducing this transmission and returning the nerves to a normal state.
What type of pain is TENS suitable for?
A TENS machine can be used for a wide variety of paian relief including chronic nerve, muscle and joint pain. It is effective for arthritis pain, sports injuries, back pain, and phantom limb pain. It is not suitable for pain arising from such conditions as appendicitis or hepatitis or for chest pain or headaches. You should also have any pain diagnosed by a physician before you use a TENS machine.
How should you use TENS safely?
TENS machines are very safe provided you use as directed. You should not use TENS if you have epilepsy or are fitted with a heart pacemaker. TENS has not been shown to be safe before the 37th week of pregnancy although it can safely be used for pain relief during labor.
TENS safety guidelines
Do not use TENS:
* In the mouth
* On the front of the neck
* Directly on the groin
* On both temples
* Close to or on the eyes
* On any broken skin or on wounds
* Anywhere that is numb or that has decreased sensitivity
* If you suffer from carotid sinus as a slow heart rate could be produced
Conclusion
Using a TENS machine is a safe and effective form of pain control that is drug free and has no known side effects if used according to the safety guidelines. TENS machines are reasonably cheap and will last for many years. For those who suffer from chronic pain this is a popular and effective method.
