Many people suffer from chronic pain conditions that cause debilitating pain and hinder normal activities. These can cause a significant decrease in the quality of life and lead to stress and depression. Fortunately, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS stim machines can help provide effective relief. It is an alternative pain management method that brings several benefits. In particular, triggering the release of endorphins can help improve the quality of life by improving moods and reducing the pain intensity.
TENS therapy is growing in popularity as a non-invasive and drug-free method of pain relief. It is often used in hospitals and pain clinics, but people may also purchase personal devices for convenient relief. It is easy to self-administer the treatment, and it has advanced features like preset modes that enhance the experience of using a TENS unit. This article will present information on how TENS machines work, the types of pain they can treat, and how to use them.
How Does a TENS Stim Machine Work?
A TENS stim machine relieves pain by delivering low-voltage electric currents to the body using electrode patches. This electrical stimulation can trigger analgesic mechanisms that alleviate aches and improve the quality of life. Moreover, it also has other benefits that make it a popular alternative method of pain relief.
TENS machines have adjustable settings that enable users to customise their condition based on their medical condition. High-frequency stimulation (50-120 Hz) triggers the spinal nerve cells and blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. This is also known as the pain gate mechanism described in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It also helps reduce muscular pain, decreasing soreness and improving blood flow to the target area.
Meanwhile, low-frequency stimulation (2-10 Hz) induces the production of endogenous opioids. These are natural painkilling hormones that bind to opioid receptors and reduce the overall pain level. They can also help improve moods and promote a better sense of well-being. Moreover, it aids in reducing inflammation. This can help enhance the range of motion and consequently improve the quality of life.
Benefits of TENS Therapy
- Non-invasive: TENS therapy does not use invasive procedures like injections or incisions. This eliminates the risk of infections and other complications.
- Drug-free: TENS also does not require the use of medication during treatments. It is particularly helpful in helping individuals reduce their intake of pain medications.
- Complementary: it can help supplement other treatment methods, making it ideal to include in treatment plans.
- Portable: many devices offer portable and lightweight designs for convenient use. Some even have wearable pads, so individuals can discreetly use them underneath clothing.
- Versatile: TENS works for various conditions that cause pain and discomfort.
Types of Pain Relieved by TENS Stim Machines
TENS stim machines can provide relief for different types of pain. Firstly, neuropathic pain. This is typically caused by damage, pressure, or injury to the nerves. One example of this is diabetic neuropathy, which can cause numbness and aches in the legs, hands, and feet. Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) are examples of conditions that cause nerve pain.
Secondly, musculoskeletal pain. It is usually from conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and ligaments. Arthritis is a common example of a musculoskeletal condition. There are various types, like ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. TENS is also effective for muscle injuries and reducing muscle spasms.
Thirdly, acute pain conditions. These are typically sudden and intense aches arising from specific causes like injuries. This includes postoperative pain, period pain, and labour pain. Lastly, chronic pain conditions are aches that persist for more than six months. This type covers conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic backaches, and chronic neck pain.
Are There Potential Risks?
Although TENS is an effective treatment for various conditions, there are still potential risks. Hence, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before using any form of electrotherapy. They may determine if TENS is safe and advice on how to use it. This is crucial, especially for those with heart disease, epilepsy, and seizures.
Furthermore, some may experience allergic reactions from the adhesives or the pads. Hence, checking under the electrode site is ideal for first-time users. Using hypoallergenic pads can also reduce this risk. Lastly, some may feel muscle twitching and uncomfortable tingling sensations. The individual may reduce the intensity level to help with this.
How to Use a TENS Stim Machine
TENS stim machines are easy to operate and self-administer. Moreover, it does not require medical supervision to use. To start a treatment session, the individual must apply the electrodes to muscles near or on the pain source. For example, the electrode placement for knee pain is on the muscles around the knee and not the joint itself.
Once the pads are secure, the individual may turn the machine on. Then, they should gradually increase the settings until they reach the optimal level for their health condition. They may set a timer to keep track of the session duration. Afterwards, they can turn off the machine and remove the electrodes.
Generally, sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the settings they use and their condition. Nevertheless, it is crucial to avoid exceeding the prescribed session time since it may cause skin irritation or mild burns. If the user wishes to use it again, they must wait at least 20 minutes.
What are the Areas to Avoid?
Proper electrode placement is crucial for effective pain relief therapy. Hence, many check TENS pad placement charts and guides to maximise the effects of the session. However, there are also areas that users must avoid placing pads on. This includes sensitive areas like the spinal cord, throat, chest, and head.
Furthermore, individuals should avoid areas with varicose veins. The same is true for skin patches that are numb, irritated, or broken. Lastly, they must keep pads away from metal and electrical implants, like pacemakers and defibrillators. This is because the electrical currents from TENS may cause the implants to malfunction.
Conclusion
A TENS stim machine is a small, battery-powered device that uses electric pulses to trigger mechanisms in the body. It uses externally applied electrodes to provide targeted relief and non-invasive treatment. It can trigger the pain gate mechanism to block pain messages from reaching the brain. TENS also induces endorphin production, which can reduce stress and improve moods. Furthermore, TENS therapy can aid with healing injuries and improving mobility. Overall, it can help improve the quality of life.
To use a TENS unit, the individual must apply the pads on muscles near the pain source. Then, they can adjust the settings for optimal relief. It can be used multiple times daily and has minimal risks. Nevertheless, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial before using TENS. They may diagnose the condition and ensure that TENS is safe for the individual. Those interested in using a wireless TENS unit may consider the iTENS from iTENS Australia.
