Pain relief without drugs
More and more people are turning to small compact electronic
devices like TENs machines to bring them pain relief without
having to depend on drugs that can often have unwanted side
effects. These small digital machines can be worn unobtrusively
while carrying out normal day to day activities.
What is TENs, how does it work and what sort of pain relief can
it be used for?
TENs stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
where transcutaneous means through the skin. A TENs machine
produces small electrical impulses which are transmitted from
the machine through the skin by means of a wire connected to a
small conductive patch which is placed on the skin.
TENs machines are believed to work in a two ways. The small
electrical signal they transmit blocks pain signals from the
body's sensory nerves to the brain resulting in pain relief. The
signals generated by the TENs machines can also encourage your
body to release endorphins, natures own pain relieving "feel
good" hormone.
A study in Sweden showed that backache is one type of pain which
was best treated with the use of TENS machines. It also showed
that TENS machines were the only painkillers required by 70 per
cent of women in labour.
More recently some TENs machines are available with an
electrical probe which can be used to stimulate acupuncture
points to bring pain relief. While almost all TENs machines have
cautions about placing the electrode pads on the head and neck
these "accu TENs" machines will permit users to stimulate the
accu points or "channels" elsewhere on the body to bring relief
to head or neck pain. Placement of electrode pads is all
important for effective pain relief. Usually the pads are placed
close to the source of the pain particularly with muscle pain or
joint pain. In the case of sciatic nerve pain the electrode pads
are likely to be placed either side of the spinal column and the
top part of the affected leg. Your health care provider should
advise on the best point to place the pads for optimum pain
relief. Correct placement is very important and sometimes may
take a little trial and error with careful reference to the
manufactures guidelines. Pads should never be placed near the
eyes or over the nerves from the neck to the throat or brain.
Most TENs machines have three main program modes, Conventional
(some machines may refer to this as Normal or Constant}, Burst
and Modulation. Each mode has subtle differences in the effect
they have. Usually a combination of these modes will work best
to provide maximum short and long term pain relief. With the
TENs machine set to the Conventional mode (frequency between 90
and 120Hz and pulse width between 80uS and 200uS) the pain
relief tends to be short lasting after the machine is switched
off. To obtain longer lasting pain relief you should choose a
Burst mode, or select a lo-rate TENs program (usually between
2Hz to 5Hz with a pulse width close to 200uS). The burst or "lo
TENs" mode encourages the release of endorphins and gives longer
lasting pain relief. All TENs machine will allow you to control
the level of electrical signal and once again it is import to
set the machine to the optimum setting. If you set the level too
high your muscles may start to twitch. You should adjust the
TENs machine to a level where you can just feel a slight
tingling sensation. TENS machines should only be used on the
advice of a doctor or other health professionals. They may not
be suitable for all types of pain or all conditions. Always
follow the manufactures instructions supplied with the machine.
TENS machines should never be used by people who have a
pacemaker or have heart problems. Pregnant women should avoid
using TENs machines as the affects on the unborn baby are not
known. Never place TENs electrodes on your head or neck.
The programs and settings I use personally are listed on Low back
pain and sciatica