Lumbar pain affects millions of people worldwide. Several factors can cause this, such as muscle strain, poor posture, and underlying medical conditions. Fortunately, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can provide drug-free temporary relief. Using a TENS unit for lower back pain is simple. Start by placing the pads on either side of the lower back, keeping them parallel to the spine. They may also apply electrodes on both sides, but they must avoid contact with the spine.
TENS therapy provides effective chronic and acute pain relief. One of its advantages is that it is easy to self-administer. This allows the individual to use the machine whenever needed and why this pain management method can reduce or replace pain medicine intake. Nevertheless, consulting a healthcare provider is ideal before using one. This article will present how TENS works for lower backaches, pad placement, and safety guidelines.
Using a TENS Unit for Lower Back Pain – How It Works
Lower back pain is a common ailment that has many causes. This includes poor posture, improper lifting of heavy objects, and conditions like sciatica. Using a TENS unit for lower back pain is a drug-free method of pain relief. TENS machines typically have a frequency range of 1-150 Hz and an intensity range of 0-80 mA. They also have adjustable settings to modify the pulse, frequency, and intensity levels on their machines to suit their medical conditions.
High-frequency stimulation (50-120 Hz) triggers spinal nerve cells to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This is the pain gating mechanism described in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It works quickly, making it ideal for acute pain conditions. Furthermore, this setting has a massage-like effect that increases blood flow to the target area and relaxes sore muscles.
Meanwhile, low-frequency stimulation triggers the production of endorphins. These hormones are natural painkillers that build up and reduce the overall sensation of pain. They also help reduce inflammation and reduce stress. This is ideal for chronic pain relief because the effects last hours after the session.
Advantages of the Therapy
These are some advantages of using TENS therapy:
- Non-invasive: TENS does not require incisions or injections. This removes the risks of infections and other complications.
- Drug-free: people do not have to consume medicine for TENS therapy. This is ideal for people who wish to reduce or replace their intake of pain medications.
- Self-administered: people can use TENS whenever they need to. It is simple to operate even when alone.
- Complementary: many use TENS with other treatments because it is an adjunctive therapy.
- Cost-effective: TENS works for many other medical conditions, such as sports injuries, diabetic neuropathy, and joint pains.
Using a TENS Unit for Lower Back Pain – Pad Placement
Using a TENS unit for lower back pain is a straightforward process. One of the crucial parts of this is proper electrode pad placements. To ensure the correctness of the application, many view placement charts and guides. The general rule is to attach the adhesive electrodes to muscles near or on the origin of the aches.
For lower back pain, the ideal placement is on either side of the spinal cord, depending on which side the ache is radiating from. Place them parallel to the spine and ensure the electrode pads are at least one inch apart. Users may also place pads on both sides if needed. However, it is crucial to evade contact with the spinal cord. This is a sensitive area that may produce adverse effects.
Other areas where users should avoid applying adhesives are those with irritated, infected, or broken skin. The pad placement directs where the electrical currents are delivered. Thus, users may experiment with where their ideal placement is. They may also study the manual to increase their understanding of how to use the device.
How to Use the Device
To use a TENS machine for lumbar pain, start by applying the electrodes to the target area. Once they are secure, turn the machine on and adjust the settings. Start on the lowest levels to avoid shock or discomfort. Afterwards, they may gradually increase the frequencies and intensities. Alternatively, they may select a preset mode.
Generally, TENS sessions last between 20 to 30 minutes. This can vary depending on the overall condition and settings used. The individual may set a timer to avoid overusing the machine. When the time has elapsed, turn the machine off and then remove the electrodes.
Using a TENS Unit for Lower Back Pain – Safety Guidelines
Ensuring safety is crucial when using a TENS unit for lower back pain. The foremost precaution is to consult a medical professional before using TENS. They may verify if TENS suits the condition and assess if the individual has other conditions that may react negatively to it. Some contraindications for TENS are epilepsy, seizures, and heart disease. This is particularly true if they have metal and electrical implants, like pacemakers and defibrillators.
Furthermore, the user must stay alert when using the machine. They must refrain from sleeping or engaging in activities that require concentration. Driving and operating heavy machinery are some examples of this. Moreover, they must avoid contact with water since this may cause harm to the person and damage the machine.
Lastly, users must follow the prescribed duration of their sessions. Although TENS is safe to use multiple times per day, the individual must take breaks between the sessions. The recommended time for this is at least 20 minutes. Otherwise, the constant stimulation may cause skin irritation, mild burns, or muscle and nerve damage.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Although lumbar aches are common, it is vital to know the signs indicating conditions that require medical attention. Those who are experiencing severe muscle spasms, fever, weight loss, and urinary and bowel incontinence must seek help from health professionals.
Furthermore, if the user experiences worsening pain during or after their TENS therapy session, they should seek medical advice from a professional. This is indicative of a condition that negatively reacts to electrical stimulation. Individuals may also call for help if they experience excessive muscle twitching and tingling sensations that do not fade after some time.
Conclusion
Using a TENS unit for lower back pain is a non-invasive and drug-free pain relief method. It benefits many individuals who feel a decrease in their quality of life due to lumbar aches. TENS works by using electrical stimulation to trigger the release of endorphins and the pain-gating mechanism. Using this, users can address different types of pain. They must simply place the electrodes on muscles near the pain source and adjust the settings accordingly.
For lower back pain, the ideal placement is on the side of the lower back closest to the source. Users may also apply pads on both sides. However, they should carefully avoid the spine. If they experience worsening pain, they must seek help from their healthcare provider so they may diagnose and treat the cause. Users must remember that TENS provides short-term pain relief but cannot directly heal underlying conditions.
