How to Use a TENS Unit to Reduce Chronic Pain

TENS units are most often prescribed for back pain.

Chronic pain occurs from degenerative diseases, injury and after trauma. Chronic pain can be difficult to treat with medication alone. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a modality that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes applied to the skin to distract the pain sensors in your central nervous system. TENS units are typically obtained through a health care provider to ensure proper use. Insurance companies often cover the cost of a TENS unit if prescribed by a physician.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol wipes
• TENS unit
• Electrodes
• Wire leads

Instructions

1. Attach one lead wire to each of the two electrodes. Push the end of the wire all the way into the electrode. Turn on the TENS unit to check the battery power, often a symbol displayed on the screen. Turn the unit off and replace the batteries if needed.

2. Clean your skin in the places where the electrodes will be placed. Use alcohol wipes to remove lotion or skin oils. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly. Peel the electrodes off the plastic backing and stick them to your skin in the places predetermined by your health care provider or where your pain is the strongest.

3. Turn on the unit and increase the intensity slowly until you feel a tingling or buzzing feeling under the electrodes. Continue to increase to a level that is strong but comfortable. After several minutes, your body will accommodate to this level of stimulation, decreasing the tingling sensation your brain is perceiving. Turn the intensity up slowly until the sensation becomes strong again.

4. Wear the TENS unit for the time prescribed by your health care provider or as needed. TENS units will not cause damage from overuse and can be used throughout the day as much as desired. Turn the intensity down and turn off the unit when you are finished using it. Remove the electrodes from your skin and place them on the plastic backing. Unplug the leads from the unit and put the components back in the storage case until you are ready to use it again.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace electrode pads when they no longer stick securely to your skin.

• Make sure the unit is off before placing the electrodes on your skin and before you remove them. Do not use your TENS unit in the shower.

References

• WebMD: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - Topic Overview
• CPR Medical; TENS Tips Newsletter; What Is TENS?
• Henry Ford Health Products: What Is TENS?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish