Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people in Canada head to a health care provider. Visit W-Radiology to know more about the spine. Most of the people prefer trying natural remedies or at home treatments to ensure that they get rid of the back pain. Some of these remedies do work and might offer temporary results. In most cases, however, the results are not permanent.

One of the common treatment options people select when it comes to back pain is to lie down on a bed. This strategy was perfect when there was no science or innovation in medicine.

In the 21st century, however, people should know better than thinking that only bed rest is the answer to backaches. People should consider advanced and innovative products that are often discounted at the Halo Health. They should also know about treatment options like TENS that has helped many people to get rid of the back pain for long periods.

If you are curious about TENS, its meaning and effectiveness then just keep scrolling. All the information about this method is mentioned here.

What is TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a noninvasive and nonpharmacologic pain treatment option in which you get a battery-operated device to get pain relief. The device will deliver tiny electrical impulses which will produce endorphins (yeah, they are the same happy hormones you release when you hit the gym).

These impulses also flood your nervous system so that the nervous system doesn’t transmit too many pain signals to the brain or the spinal cord. These devices can help with not only back pain but also with other body pains like period pain, joint pain, labor pain, neck pain or even post-operative pain.

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People who have issues like arthritis, sports injuries, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, fibromyalgia or painful diabetic neuropathy can get relief by using a TENS unit. The best thing about such a unit is that you can use controls over it to decide the intensity, frequency, and duration of currents that offer pain relief.

How Effective are TENS Devices?

There have been various studies with regard to the effectiveness of TENS in pain relief, and many of them have proven it to be effective. A study found that people who had fibromyalgia experienced temporary pain relief when they used the device.

A clinical trial conducted in 2006 discovered that people who had low back pain constantly due to multiple sclerosis and used high-intensity TENS treatments of 45 minutes twice a day for 6 weeks had better pain relief than those who used low intensity. Subjects with low intensity got the results in 32 weeks.

The effectiveness of TENS devices is based on many factors. Some of them are

Tolerance

Research has discovered that if you use the TENS device at the same frequency or intensity for a while, you may become tolerant towards the treatment and you may not get the same level of pain relief you had earlier. The best option to save yourself from this problem is to vary between low frequency and high frequency. You can also increase the intensity with time but make sure your doctor knows about it. Also, only opt for the high intensity if you can tolerate it. Otherwise, stick to the low intensity.

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Some people report that low intensity doesn’t get them the results they want. If you are like that, you should opt for a higher intensity level and increase it until you get pain relief. Again, do it under the supervision of a doctor.

Placement of Electrodes

The placement of electrodes also matters when you are using a TENS device. If you place electrodes on acupuncture points, your body might produce more endorphins (the happy hormones that act as pain relievers). A review has also confirmed this theory.

Duration of Pain Relief

The duration of pain relief varies from individual to individual. Some people get pain relief only when they are using a TENS device and stop getting the relief the moment they stop using the device, while some people report that their pain relief lasts for a couple of hours or even a day in some cases.

Some people get pain relief for extended periods if they use the device continually while some people get relief for a shorter duration as they develop tolerance to this pain relief method. If you fall into the latter category, you should increase the intensity or frequency of using a TENS device. (Ambien)

Conclusion

Now, if you are convinced that the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is real, you should try buying a device online. These devices are easily available, so you should find one that meets your needs, has good reviews and fits in your budget. Good Luck!

Image Sources

https://www.everydayhealth.com/back-pain/left-and-right-back-pain.aspx

Back pain costs the country more than cancer and diabetes treatment combined