If you are experiencing constant lower back pain that causes muscle tightness and pain, the TENS unit may be a good choice. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator is a device that helps increase blood flow, promote soft tissue healing and relax tight muscles.
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator or TENS is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current to relieve pain in the body. It is a powered battery machine about the size of a pocket radio. It is used through a connection of two electrodes, wired or wireless, that conduct electrical currents from the device to your skin. The electrodes usually are placed on the area of pain. It then creates electrical impulses that travel along your nerve fibres to block pain in the body. Although the electrical currents produced are mild, it effectively blocks pain messages transmitted to the brain.
TENS should not be used without the direction of a doctor or a therapist. It should also be appropriately used so that it can immediately take the pain away. You have to ensure the proper placement of the electrodes. Before placing the electrodes, wash the skin area where you wish to place them as this allows adequate skin stimulation to the targeted tissues, reduces the risk of skin irritation and extends the electrodes’ life. You can change the device’s controls and settings and determine the correct duration and intensity of stimulation.
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator is used to relieve different types of illnesses and conditions. It is both applied to reduce or eliminate acute pain and also chronic pain. More so, TENS can treat muscle, joint and bone problems that occur from osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia and any conditions such as back pain, neck pain, tendonitis or bursitis. It is also favourable to treat labour pain and cancer pain.
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