Complaints of pain are the highest reason for doctor visits. With the growing demand for corrective results for individuals suffering with pain management issues alternate methods of care are being studied. Currently, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is a popular method of electroanalgesia.
TENS has been used in the treatment of lower back pain, joint pain, visceral pain, post-surgical pain, sympathetically mediated pain, and neurogenic pains. The results of these procedures vary widely from positive to negative. There is debate of the efficacy of these stimulation units since many of the studies have not been done in controlled conditions for proper evaluation.
Pain syndromes are thought to be a breakdown of communication in the various cells and fibers, causing a constant pain sensation rather than decreasing. The principle behind the use of electric stimulation as pain management is formed on the gate-control theory developed by Melzack and Wall in 1965. The gate-control theory offers that another force must be introduced in order to close the open receptor that is causing the painful symptoms.
The stimulation of muscle tissue forces the body to focus on that action rather than continuing to feed the receptors that create the pain. Think of a small child that is having a temper tantrum in the store. With one question about something else the child is interested in, the tantrum stops and all is forgotten.
A TENS unit is a small portable generator with a battery and attachable electrodes. The machine is able to produce varied amplitude or current strengths, pulse width, and pulse rates depending upon the comfort of the patient. Each person is different in their tolerance of electrical stimulation this means that there is a need for trial and error to find what works best for them.
The electrodes which are used have a stick surface to be attached to the skin of the patient. The positioning of these electrodes is important. Sites for application can include at the site of the pain, trigger points, cutaneous nerves, and acupuncture sites.
Complications from the use of a TENS unit are very rare, making it a relatively safe therapy. Common complaints are of irritation to the skin at the site where the electrode is placed. This happens in approximately 33% of individuals who self treat with TENS.
The ease of use for these machines makes the ability of a person to properly complete treatment sessions very high. With a little education regarding how the machine works and the correct use of the electrodes, a patient is able to complete the therapy from the comfort of their home. The portability of the unit makes it a simple matter to take it along a trip.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has a variety of results of individuals, but most patients claim to have continued relief with regular use of a TENS unit. With the growing demand for pain relief and management this form of therapy is an excellent choice. The ease of use makes compliance much easier for the individual.
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A popular form of therapy is the use of TENS. People with chronic pain in their joints and muscles often turn to Russian stim for alleviating pain. Such systems have been created by doctors and scientists.
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