Chronic pain affects a whopping 100 million Americans. You or someone you know is experiencing chronic pain. Fortunately, Harvard Health reports that non-drug treatments for pain, such as a TENS machine, are quite successful.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is making (electrical) waves in the treatment of some of the most severe chronic pain.
What Exactly Is a TENS Unit?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a nonpharmacologic pain management method. It can safely and efficiently alleviate pain with a low-voltage electrical current, allowing you to have a better quality of life.
The TENS device stimulates muscarinic, opioid, and serotonin receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem. This is with consistent appointments, correct dose, and appropriate intensity.
To treat back pain, apply the TENS unit electrodes on the painful area of the skin. Electrical impulses run along nerve fibers, instantly alleviating pain and producing a “tingly sensation.” The unit provides pain relief by stimulating nerves in the spinal cord, thereby closing a “gate” process related to pain experience.
Retraining of Nerves And Reduced Inflammation
Damaged nerves cannot send or receive impulses. This causes difficulty moving and excruciating pain. This also results in a lack of movement because of the pain experienced when attempting to move.
Endorphins are your body’s natural painkillers, and they are released when the impulses are stimulated. There is no better approach to treating pain than to use the body’s painkiller.
With enough time and sessions, the impulse that activates the client’s muscle retrains the brain and nerve patterns.
Several investigations have found that electric impulses can lessen inflammation deep inside the muscle fibers.
The TENS machine has been so effective that some people have been able to fully discontinue their pain medications. If you have a pacemaker, infusion pump, or implanted defibrillator, you cannot use the unit. Consult your doctor before using a TENS device if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have any other heart concerns.
How Affordable Is It?
Unfortunately, physical pain is accompanied by financial pain. A lifelong supply of pain drugs might be exceedingly expensive.
These units were formerly exclusively seen in chiropractic therapy clinics due to their high cost. Now that they are more prevalent, you can get one for your home without leaving your couch.
A simple one-time investment can contribute to a higher quality of life, both monetarily and in terms of comfort.
It Can Work As a Massager
There are additional fantastic benefits to utilizing a TENS device for those who are not in pain. Many distributors market these devices as massagers. They deliver a deep massage to the consumer by using a distinct pulse pattern.
To massage the muscle internally, you can vary the intensity. This is a very important added advantage for anyone suffering from any form of pain.
Do You Need Assistance With the Gadget?
The units are relatively simple to use while being a sophisticated medical gadget. Having said that, because they are so simple to use, you can use them at home.
Simply lay the pad on the muscle that needs to be stimulated, and the machine will do the rest. There is an intensity dial and various auto-programs that will do the work for you.
A Higher Quality of Life
When it comes down to it, the only thing you want from pain management is a higher quality of life. You want to return to the hobbies that bring you joy. Whether it’s keeping up with your family, getting more exercise outside, or sleeping better.
The Bottom Line
TENS units are inexpensive, costing significantly less than surgery or pain drugs. It is simple to use and has no negative effects, reducing both muscular and nerve pain. The unit’s use can assist you in resuming a better, more productive quality of life.
