How to Use TENS for Pain Management

In TENS, or transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, sensory nerves are stimulated with an electrical charge as a means of relieving pain. This FDA-approved approach works by cutting pain signals off at the pass, stopping them dead in their tracks before they have a chance to arrive at the brain. TENS treatment also triggers the release of the body's natural pain-fighting endorphins. Since TENS is a drug-free approach to pain management, it comes with none of the side effects that drug-based treatment can sometimes bring. Read on to learn how to use TENS for pain management.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• TENS unit

1. See your doctor. You will first need a prescription from your physician if you hope to acquire a TENS unit.

2. Take a direct approach to pain management. Anchor the electrodes of your TENS unit directly on the spot in which you are experiencing pain.

3. Relieve your pain through the wisdom of acupuncture. Place the electrodes of your TENS unit along relevant acupuncture points to get results. Learn more about acupuncture points by purchasing "Finding Effective Acupuncture Points" by Shudo Denmei and Stephen Brown. See the Resources section below for a link.

4. Vary your approach. Sidestep skin irritation by choosing different placement points with each TENS treatment.

5. Be patient. It typically takes about 30 minutes for TENS treatment to provide pain relief.

6. Listen to your body. In some cases, a brief 30-minute session is all it takes to stave off pain for hours. In others, it is necessary to keep wearing the TENS unit throughout day.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn to your insurance carrier for help managing the expenses associated with acquiring your TENS unit. The device is widely recognized for its efficacy in the area of pain management, and as such, most carriers cover the cost associated with its rental or purchase.
• A TENS unit is similar in size to a small tape recorder and is simple to operate.
• Use your TENS unit to treat systemic pain, such as that stemming from bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Your TENS device can be utilized to relieve head and neck pain, such as that caused by cluster headaches, whiplash and dental problems. Pain in the abdomen, back and extremities may also be remedied with a TENS unit.
• It is not a good idea to use your TENS unit as you sleep. Nighttime tossing and turning may cause its electrodes to come undone, making contact with your skin and serving as a source of potential irritation.
• TENS is not recommended for pregnant women or those wearing pacemakers.

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Resources

• Finding Effective Acupuncture Points