Chronic backaches are a common issue that people seek to remedy. Although there are several treatment options, many can have side effects, like with pain medication. One option that is gaining popularity is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS of 10s unit for back pain is an electrical device that sends electric currents to the body using electrode pads. It works by triggering the pain gate mechanism and endorphin production. Nevertheless, consulting a medical professional is recommended before using it.
Besides backaches, TENS therapy is also effective in alleviating muscle pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis pain, and diabetic neuropathy pain. Hence, many have started incorporating TENS as a method of pain relief. One of its benefits is that it is complementary to many other treatment options. This enables users to feel chronic pain relief without worrying about negative interactions. This article will present information on TENS machines for back pain, how they work, and safety precautions.
What is a 10s Unit for Back Pain?
Backaches are a common issue that people experience in their daily lives. It can vary from mild to severe and, in some cases, significantly impact the quality of life. There are many possible causes for this, including lifestyle and injuries. One way to alleviate this ache is to use a 10s unit for back pain.
A TENS machine is typically a small, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to the body. It does this using electrode pads on the muscles near the target area. Moreover, the device has adjustable settings, which enables users to adjust their treatment according to their comfort level and overall medical condition.
Although TENS units are usually seen in medical settings, like hospitals and pain clinics, people can also purchase personal use units. Generally, there are two types of TENS machines: traditional and wireless. The traditional units use electrode wires to connect the control unit and power source to the pads. Meanwhile, wireless units utilise Bluetooth to remove the need for cords and control the electrode patches using a remote control. These also use rechargeable batteries.
Causes of Backaches
- Poor posture: improper posture while sitting, standing, and walking can contribute to back pain. Individuals may also develop injuries from incorrect lifting posture.
- Disc disorders: herniated discs and degenerative disc disease may cause backaches.
- Muscle injuries: this includes strains and sprains from overusing the muscles.
- Arthritis: inflammation of one or more joints. Many types can cause backaches, including spinal arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, and spondylosis.
- Sciatica: an ailment resulting from injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve. This ache may also extend down to the legs.
- Fibromyalgia: a chronic pain condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, which can also affect the back.
How Does a 10s Unit for Back Pain Work?
A 10s unit for back pain can trigger various mechanisms in the body for relief. Many find this medical device beneficial since it provides versatile treatments that have minimal risks. Firstly, TENS therapy can trigger the pain gate mechanism. This is a mechanism suggested in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It poses that electrical pulses can stimulate the spinal nerve cells to block the transmission of pain signals.
Secondly, TENS therapy can also trigger the production of endorphins. These hormones are natural painkillers that bind to opioid receptors. This enables the user to feel a reduction in pain as they continue to build. There are also other benefits to triggering endorphin production, such as reducing inflammation, relieving stress, and improving the sense of well-being.
Lastly, TENS treatment sessions can induce vasodilation and increase blood flow to the target area. Improving blood circulation can help ease pain from sore muscles. It can also aid in healing injuries, which can improve the rehabilitation speed. Overall, TENS has many effects that can reduce pain in individuals.
Benefits
There are several benefits to using TENS machines. One benefit is that it can help people reduce their intake of pain medication. This allows them to save on future costs and avoid the adverse effects of medication. Moreover, using TENS therapy for electrical stimulation is not addictive.
Another benefit is that TENS provides a non-invasive pain management method for people who do not wish to undergo surgery. It is also versatile, so it can address various acute and chronic pain conditions. These include neuropathic pain, arthritic pain, and post-surgical pain. Furthermore, it is complementary to other treatment options.
Precautions When Using a 10s Unit for Back Pain
Although TENS is generally safe, users must observe safety precautions to avoid accidents or side effects. Foremost, the individual should consult a healthcare professional before using a 10s unit for back pain. This is because they can fully assess the condition and form a treatment plan to help the person. They may also advise if TENS is not suited for them. This may occur if the person has a history of heart disease, seizures, or epilepsy.
Moreover, users should carefully follow the instructions of their TENS product. It is ideal to check the condition of the machine and its accessories before starting a session. They should also slowly increase the intensity setting gradually until they reach a comfortable intensity. Otherwise, suddenly increasing it could cause electric shocks or discomfort.
Furthermore, proper electrode placement is a key factor in achieving pain relief with TENS. Thus, they must properly position electrodes on the target body parts. They must avoid sensitive areas, such as the spinal cord, throat, and chest. They should also avoid areas with skin irritation or broken skin.
When to See a Doctor?
Knowing when to see a medical professional for back pain is crucial since there are times when the ache is from a serious condition. Therefore, if the person is experiencing persistent pain for a long period, they should consult their healthcare provider. Moreover, if the individual experiences fever, bowel disorders, and increasing pain intensity, they should seek medical help.
There are also reasons to seek medical attention when using TENS for treatment. One example is if the pain intensity increases during the session. This is because it signals an underlying condition negatively reacting to the electrical currents.
Conclusion
A 10s unit for back pain is an effective method that people can use for the management of pain. It is a small medical device that sends electrical impulses to the sensory nerves using electrode patches. Adjusting the settings can trigger the pain gate mechanism and endorphin production. In addition, it can help improve blood circulation, which can aid in healing injuries. Moreover, it is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment method that people can add to their existing treatment plan.
Nevertheless, it is still essential to follow safety guidelines when using TENS. Foremost, interested individuals should consult healthcare professionals to ensure that TENS is safe for them to use. They may also ask for tips regarding pad placement and session duration to maximise the benefits of TENS. Those looking for a wireless TENS unit may consider the iTENS from iTENS Australia.
