How to Use a Tens Machine for Pain?
A TENS machine is the abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation; or a TENS unit. TENS units are used to control pain in conditions such as back pain, knee pain, shoulder, pain, after surgeries, arthritis, amputations or cancer. The TENS unit, a pain management device, is a pocket-sized battery powered device that sends small electrical signals into the nerves to disrupt the pain signals.
Instructions
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Treatment
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1
Get a prescription from your doctor for a TENS unit. Any doctor can give this prescription, but usually it will be the doctor that you are seeing that is treating your condition.
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2
Once you get your TENS unit, put batteries in the machine. There are four sets of electrodes in the kit with sticky patches. Assemble the electrodes to the machine. Test the batteries to make sure they are working. One knob on the TENS unit makes the electrical impulse stronger or weaker, the other knob controls the speed of the impulse.
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3
Clean your skin where you will be placing the sticky patches with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Put a thin coat of the gel (included in the kit) on the electrode. Place the sticky patches, with the electrode underneath, on the skin where you want to alleviate the pain. You are trying to make an X or a crisscross pattern over the painful area. If the pain is in your low back, place the sticky patches on the muscles in your low back, two up high on each side of the spine and two below.
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4
Turn on the unit to the lowest level of speed and impulse. Turn the electrodes up to an appropriate level and hook the TENS unit on your belt or in a pocket. Your muscles should not twitch; this is a sign that the electrical impulse is to strong or too fast. Turn the unit down until you feel a slight tingling. The TENS unit should never cause pain, only lesson it or relieve it.
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5
Remove the TENS unit at least once a day. You can leave the patches/electrodes on your skin; if you will be starting up a new treatment soon. Just turn the unit off. If you are going to sleep or showering, remove the patches. Some doctors may say it is OK to sleep with the TENS unit on, ask your doctor what is right for your pain. If the skin is tender underneath the stick patches put a mild lotion on your skin. The next time you do a treatment, place the electrode patches over to a new position. Do not shower or bathe in your TENS unit.
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6
Continue using the TENS unit for pain control for as long as your doctor says you can.
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Tips & Warnings
Never place the electrodes near your eyes, or the neck, throat or head. Do not use the TENS unit if you have a pacemaker, have seizures or if you are pregnant.
