more articles like this

TENS for Pain
updated: Mar 05, 2013, 11:14 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Has anyone used a TENS unit for pain management? If so, can you recommend any brands or types?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

SBROCKS	2013-03-05 11:35 AM
My daughter just got one off the internet. It works really well. She got the one with four pads not the two pad one. She is using it for a knee injury. Also tried it on a person with cronic back pain. He loved it. Just go it last week, so long term use is to be determined.
COMMENT 381571P	2013-03-05 11:38 AM
Never heard of this. Are they effective? Cost? My 6'5" son has a lower back problem right now due to a muscle pull, no disc problems, etc. though. Thanks for the info.
COMMENT 381599	2013-03-05 12:23 PM
These aren't complicated devices. Shouldn't be difficult to find a good one.
COMMENT 381604	2013-03-05 12:30 PM
OP here - also wondering what results you've had? Does it work for pain mgmt.? I'm considering a TENS for my lower back/sciatica.
COMMENT 381617	2013-03-05 12:45 PM
My husband used one for a while for a chronic degenerative back injury. It worked but there were a few annoyances that came along with it. One was the way the insurance company and manufacturer controlled the supply of sticky pads for the electrodes. Although we owned the machine itself, it would not work without proprietary supplies. We would not be able to replenish his supplies for the unit until his use report was transmitted successfully to the company, and often there were transmission issues with the reports that would require multiple attempts. Also, the sales reps for the supplies were independent contractors, so they constantly were calling to ask about whether we needed more. Finally, my husband would periodically get sensitized to the machine and would have to cut back use when it was too much for his nerves.
COMMENT 381622	2013-03-05 12:49 PM
I have one I got off the internet....$45.00. It is called a Basic TENS System and It works great. I have lower back pain. It is from Medical products online, Inc Phone # 877-7607246. WWW.medicalrproductsonline.org
COMMENT 381644P	2013-03-05 01:36 PM
My daughter uses one for what used to be really severe sciatica. She swears by it. Rarely has to use it anymore - only when her back gets irritated. It was recommended by her PT.
COMMENT 381649	2013-03-05 01:44 PM
TENS = Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation It is an older technology. Works by electrically stimulating nerves. Feels good. up to a point. Do NOT use one on genital areas. I suggest you consult with a physical therapist or, better yet, a doctor before using one that you bought off the 'net.
COMMENT 381701	2013-03-05 04:20 PM
They work for some people and not for others. You can get them via a prescription, or off the Internet or from Boots the Chemist in the UK. They are cheap enough to give a try and the pads can be bought on line.
COMMENT 381711	2013-03-05 04:56 PM
I used one, after a car accident, with great results. I got mine through my physical therapist, Dave Dallemeyer through a company called EMPI. They work by disrupting the pain signal that is going to your brain. Better than taking narcotics and possibly becoming addicted to them
COMMENT 381749P	2013-03-05 07:51 PM
Not trying to be snarky, but assume you've tried regular exercises for the sciatica? Good luck!
COMMENT 381786	2013-03-06 06:46 AM
Severe, mechanical Sciatica does not respond fully to exercise. It helps, but unless you've had it yourself, you know not whereof you speak. I've used a TENS for acute pain (diagnosis of spondylolisthesis), and it does help. The unit can shock you If the wires become disconnected, and when it's turned up to full power, you have to remain still or it can shock from movement. Mine was prescription, and sometimes it's the only thing that works short term.
LOURAY	2013-03-06 08:17 AM
Not for the OP necessarily, but everyone likes to dip into the discussion threads so a mention might be useful: if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, anything electronic implanted, please consult the relevant specialist before using TENS to be sure there won't be potential interference.
COMMENT 381870	2013-03-06 09:44 AM
Thank you for this information! I have lower back pain that leads to my legs (sciatic) and I will look this up. I feel relief already!

36% of comments on this page were made by Edhat Community Members.