Do you also often have pain in your back, neck, and knees? Sometimes it's really hard to get through the day with this pain, isn't it? Even after taking painkillers, sometimes the pain is still there. So you've probably heard of a treatment called 'TENS' that is used to relieve this kind of pain. Today, let's talk about what this TENS is, does it really reduce pain, and what you need to know before using it.
Simply put, what is TENS?
The full meaning of TENS is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation . Now don't be afraid of these big words. Let's understand this simply.
- Transcutaneous means "through the skin."
- Electrical Nerve Stimulation means "electrical nerve stimulation".
That is, TENS is a treatment that reduces pain by sending a very low-voltage electrical current through the skin, stimulating nerves. This is done using a small, battery-operated machine (TENS unit). The electrical waves from this machine stop our body's pain signals from going to the brain, or change the way we perceive pain.
This treatment is successful for many people, but for others, it may not be as effective. Research has not yet found the exact reason for this.
How does this TENS machine work?
There are two main views on how this works. Both may be possible.
1. Pain Gate Theory: Imagine that when we experience pain in our body, the signal travels through a 'gate' along the nerves to the brain. The tingling sensation, or electrical impulses, from the TENS machine travel faster to the brain than the nerves that carry the pain. Then the 'gate' that allows the pain signal to pass through is 'closed'. Simply put, the pain signal cannot reach the brain. As a result, we feel less pain.
2. Produce natural painkillers: Our bodies can produce chemicals that reduce pain. We call these endorphins . These are like our body's own 'natural morphine'. The electrical stimulation from the TENS machine increases the production of these endorphins. Then our pain naturally decreases.
What conditions is TENS therapy used for?
TENS therapy is used for a variety of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) pain conditions. The table below shows some of these conditions.
| Disease status | Description |
|---|---|
| Back and Neck Pain | Conditions such as frequent back pain and neck pain. |
| Osteoarthritis | Pain in joints such as knees and hips caused by joint inflammation. |
| Fibromyalgia | Pain in muscles and soft tissues throughout the body. |
| Tendinitis and Bursitis | Pain caused by swelling of the tendons and bursae around the joints. |
| Diabetic Neuropathy | Pain and numbness in the limbs caused by nerve damage due to diabetes. |
| Chronic Pelvic Pain | Long-lasting pain in the lower abdomen that can occur in both women and men. |
How to use a TENS machine?
This is a machine about the size of a small phone. It has parts called 'electrode pads' connected to it by wires. These are pads about 2x2 inches in size, with a sticker that you can stick to your skin.
- First, your doctor or physiotherapist will show you exactly where to place these pads. They are usually placed over the area of pain or along the nerves that are involved.
- Then we need to turn on the machine and adjust its settings. We can adjust the intensity, frequency, and duration of the electric waves as needed.
- The goal of this is to adjust the settings to a level that feels comfortable, pleasant numbness, without pain.
- It is usually used for 15-30 minutes at a time. However, this time and how many times a day you should use it should be decided based on your doctor's advice.
The most important thing is to always seek medical advice before purchasing and using a TENS machine on your own. You need to know exactly whether it is right for your condition, where to place the pads, and how to adjust the settings.
People and situations in which TENS therapy is not suitable
Although TENS therapy is very safe, it can be dangerous for some people and for some areas of the body, so be careful with this.
| Warning: TENS therapy is not suitable for these people | |
|---|---|
| Pregnant mothers | It is especially not suitable for use on the abdomen and lower abdomen. |
| People with pacemakers or other implantable devices | Electromagnetic waves can interfere with the operation of these devices. |
| People with epilepsy | Avoid using it especially on the head and neck area. |
| People with heart disease | Do not use without medical advice. |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | Do not use on the affected area as it may dislodge the blood clot. |
| Cancer patients | Avoid using it over areas with cancerous tumors. |
| Do not use TENS on these areas of the body. | |
| |
Benefits and side effects of TENS therapy
Benefits
- No surgery or injections: This is a non-invasive treatment performed outside the body.
- Medication reduction: Some people may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication they take because this helps control their pain. However, never reduce the amount of medication you take without talking to your doctor.
- Easy to carry: TENS machines are very small, so you can take them anywhere.
- Fewer side effects: If used properly, side effects are very few.
Side Effects
- Skin allergies: Some people may be allergic to the gum in the pads. The skin may become red and itchy.
- Uncomfortable sensation: Some people don't like this tingling sensation.
- Burns (very rare): Skin burns can occur rarely if the machine settings are set too high or if the pads are not properly in contact with the skin.
If you experience a skin rash, itching, dizziness, headache, or nausea, stop using TENS and tell your doctor .
Take-Home Message
- TENS is a treatment method that uses a low-level electrical current to reduce pain.
- This can be beneficial for chronic pain conditions like back pain, joint pain, and fibromyalgia.
- Before using a TENS machine, be sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist.
- This treatment is not suitable if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, have epilepsy, or have heart disease.
- Never apply TENS pads to the front of the neck, head, eyes, or injured skin.
- The success of this treatment can vary from person to person, so the best way to know if this is right for you is to follow your doctor's advice.
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