The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body that runs from the lower back and extends down through the buttocks and legs just below the knee. The sciatic nerve controls the muscles and supplies the sensation to the skin of the legs and feet. Irritation of the nerve can cause mild to intense pain in the lower back, hips, and down to the legs. It is also a kind of pain that worsens with time. The symptom is commonly known as sciatica. Fortunately, you can treat the pain effectively if you know how to use a TENS machine for sciatica.
Most people experience sciatica at some point in their lives. Sciatic pain commonly happens through spinal nerve root compression by a herniated disk in the lower back. Aside from the degeneration of the intervertebral disk, sciatica is also often a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Age, weight, sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, and smoking may contribute to sciatica. The iTENS, a wireless Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine, is known to provide relief from acute and chronic sciatic pain discomfort. How to use a TENS machine for sciatica such as the iTENS? We start first by understanding the function of TENS and how it can help in reducing pain.
How to use a TENS machine for sciatica: Instructions
TENS treatment is a form of therapy that uses low voltage electrical currents to stimulate the affected nerves. The machine has electrode wires or pads that attach to the skin. The electrodes deliver the currents through the skin when the unit is on, interrupting the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Another theory of how TENS work is that it aids the release of endorphins that helps suppress pain in the body. Moreover, TENS therapy, with devices like the iTENS, is non-invasive and drug-free. Additionally, it does not require any surgical procedure or medications and has no side effects. Knowing how to use a TENS machine for sciatica is an excellent alternative to pain-reducing oral medications.
First-time users can check the placement guide on how to use a TENS machine for sciatica safely. As a general direction, attach the pads near or around the pain points. For sciatic pain, place the pads in the lower back on either side of the spine. You can manually set the intensity for sciatica and work on the positions as you see fit. Each session can run up to thirty minutes and can 2-3 times a day. The iTENS comes with pre-determined settings for different pain conditions controllable through the app from your phone. iTENS is the leading authority when it comes to wireless pain relief. Ask a doctor or physiotherapist near you about TENS and find out how it can help you.
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