Back pain in adults can be debilitating. It often affects the daily lives of those who have the condition. Fortunately, electrical nerve stimulation for back pain can help with pain control. It is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option that uses mild electric currents. These stimulate the nerves to stop pain signals from reaching the brain and release natural painkillers. Consequently, the pain intensity reduces. To activate these mechanisms, users must place the electrodes on either side of the spine.
Typically, healthcare professionals prescribe pain medicines to alleviate backaches. However, these drugs may have side effects and can be addictive with long-term use. Electrical stimulation or e-stim offers a safe alternative for pain management without the risks associated with medication. Nevertheless, people must understand this natural method of pain relief for informed decisions. Thus, the following sections will present electric nerve stimulation, including its functionality and application.
What is Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Back Pain?
Electrical nerve stimulation for back pain is a 100% drug-free and non-invasive form of pain treatment. This innovative technique involves the application of electrical currents to specific nerve fibers. It aims to alleviate pain and improve overall function. Consequently, individuals with acute or chronic pain in the back can benefit significantly from this treatment option.
Undergoing electric nerve stimulation is generally safe. However, patients must consult a pain specialist or other healthcare provider beforehand to determine its suitability for their specific case. Afterwards, they can receive therapy sessions in a clinic or hospital. Moreover, they can buy a personal electric stimulation machine to administer treatment at home or on the go.
People interested in purchasing an electrical nerve stimulator for the back can find it beneficial. The reason is that they can apply it to manage various pain types. These include other musculoskeletal pain, such as neck, foot, and shoulder pain. Moreover, it can help alleviate nerve pain due to peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, stump pain, and diabetic neuropathy.
Types of Electrical Nerve Stimulation Devices
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Its devices deliver low-voltage electrical impulses to provide different levels of pain relief. TENS is one of the most popular forms of electrotherapy.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A VNS machine is implanted in the chest and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. Stimulating the nerves helps regulate brain activity. Thus, it can be beneficial in managing epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression.
- Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS): The SNS units are also implanted. They target the sacral nerves. These are crucial in bladder and bowel function. E-stim aids in regulating these functions. People commonly use it for urinary and fecal incontinence.
Mechanisms of Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Back Pain
Professionals regard electrical nerve stimulation for back pain as a non-pharmacological approach to relieving aches and discomfort. It involves the application of electrical pulses to specific nerve fibres. Then, it helps disrupt the pain messages travelling to the brain. People can utilise different frequencies to activate the mechanisms of this natural method of pain relief.
One mechanism of electric nerve stimulation is the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It states that when electrical impulses are applied to the nerves, they interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. E-stim triggers the sensory nerves to send messages to the spinal cord, which activates inhibitory interneurons. These interneurons close the “pain gates”, preventing the signals from reaching the brain.
Another mechanism is known as the Endorphin Release Theory. Electric nerve stimulation can boost the production of endogenous opioids in the body. These natural painkillers bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain sensations. Subsequently, this helps modulate pain pathways. Then, it provides a therapeutic effect and sustained relief for individuals suffering from acute or chronic pain in the back.
Benefits of the Therapy
Individuals using electric nerve stimulation therapy can receive various benefits from it. Firstly, it can alleviate acute and chronic pain conditions naturally. Pain scores decrease and quality of life improves without needing medications or intrusive procedures. Instead, electrical stimulation uses mild pulses for the management of pain.
Moreover, people can apply electric stimulation with other traditional modalities without the risk of adverse effects or drug interactions. These include heat packs and physical therapy exercises. The combination can help them regain strength, flexibility, and mobility while reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and improving their quality of sleep.
How to Conduct Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Back Pain
Conducting electrical nerve stimulation for back pain is simple. First, people should identify the area of the back that requires stimulation for treatment. They can determine this by discussing the pain history and pattern with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist. Afterwards, they must locate the appropriate nerves associated with the pain area, usually near the spine.
Once individuals have identified the area and nerves, the next step is to prepare the skin for stimulation. It should be clean and dry to maximise the conduction of the electrical impulses and prevent skin irritation. Then, place the electrode pads over the target area. Firmly press them onto the skin. They can adjust the settings based on personal comfort and tolerance levels.
Correctly administering electric nerve stimulation sessions is essential to obtain optimal results. Begin with short durations, around 15-20 minutes. Gradually increase the time to 30-45 minutes. It is best to consult a doctor for medical advice to avoid concerns. Regular treatments can help reduce acute or chronic pain in the back and improve overall quality of life.
Pad Placement Guide
The electrical nerve stimulation pad placement guide for back pain is a valuable resource for individuals. One placement is on the lower back, just above the hips. This area is commonly targeted for back pain relief since it corresponds to the nerves running through the lower back and into the legs. They should attach the electrode on either side of the spine.
In addition, people can apply the patches on the upper back between the shoulder blades. This area is often tense and can contribute to back pain. Therefore, targeting it with electrical stimulation can help relieve tension and provide relief.
Conclusion
Using electrical nerve stimulation for back pain has become increasingly popular as a non-invasive treatment option. This drug-free treatment involves a small device that delivers electrical impulses to specific nerves. Then, the currents block pain messages travelling to the brain and release natural painkillers. As a result, patients experience relief from their back pain without needing medication or intrusive procedures. Aside from backaches, e-stim can help manage more conditions, such as regional pain syndrome and knee pain.
Individuals should follow several steps to conduct electric nerve stimulation correctly. First, they must determine the pain area and nerves associated with it. Afterwards, they can place the electrodes on the skin near these nerves. They can adjust the settings of the electrical impulses depending on their pain levels and tolerance. Overall, electrical nerve stimulation presents a promising solution for those seeking long-term relief from back pain. They can visit pain clinics or buy personal units online or in-store.
