Millions of people all over the world suffer from chronic pain and most of them struggle with finding the best solution to the problem. Medication is often the first and main treatment prescribed for chronic pain, but it doesn’t always show adequate results. In fact, drugs tend to interact and cause many side effects, sometimes even making things worse. That’s why people opt for alternative options for treating chronic pain, and a TENS machine is one of them.
TENS units are used widely as an alternative to pain-killing medication. They use electrical nerve stimulation to manipulate, manage, and reduce pain in different body areas. Known as the effective treatment for back, leg, arm, and chest pain, TENS units are commonly found in many homes around the world. If you’re considering the treatment for yourself, follow our guide toward understanding the TENS unit for more information.
What is TENS?
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine is used for managing and reducing chronic pain. It usually comes in a small, battery-powered case with wires and sticky pads. The pads attach to the body area that requires the treatment and send small electrical pulses through the skin. The little electric shocks ease the pain via electrodes by affecting the way pain signals are sent to the brain. Simply put, electrical shocks from the TENS unit block the pain signals and also stimulate the production of natural pain relievers called endorphins.
Pros and Cons of TENS
The TENS unit can be used for acute post-surgical pain, chronic pain, and any other type of pain in between. Over time, the TENS machine has shown a large number of positive effects on people with different health conditions, which is the main reason for its growing popularity. However, there are still some drawbacks to TENS therapy we should address and warn our readers about.
Pros:
- Along with blocking pain signals, TENS machines promote the release of endorphins. These chemicals interact with the receptors in the brain and reduce the perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger positive feelings in the body, which may help significantly with chronic pain.
- TENS units also work to reduce inflammation in the body by sending electrical impulses through the muscles. Reduced inflammation means not only less pain but easier healing from injuries, surgeries, and other conditions.
- While pain medications can cause a wide range of side effects (constipation, nausea, dizziness, digestive problems, and more), TENS machines don’t bring the same risk. Electrical therapy does come with the potential of other complications, but when performed properly, won’t result in any of the long-lasting effects caused by painkillers.
- One of the main benefits of the TENS unit that makes it so popular is the low price. A regular TENS machine comes at a low cost and pays itself up rather quickly. People get to enjoy recovery from surgery at home and without professional help, which makes buying a TENS unit a convenient and smart investment.
- TENS units are also super easy to use. You can set them up in your home and enjoy the treatment from the comfort of your couch. Most of the available devices are user-friendly and easy to operate without professional help.
- As we mentioned already, TENS therapy brings users immense pain relief and improves their overall quality of life. Those who suffer from chronic pain and long-lasting medical conditions can finally get back to their regular activities and enjoy life to a greater degree just by using a TENS unit.
Cons:
- One of the TENS machine’s side effects is skin irritation. Sometimes, the electrode pads left on the skin for extended periods can cause unpleasant irritation. However, this can be avoided easily with thorough skin washes before the application and proper time monitoring.
- TENS unit burns are also very common. They come from leaving on the electrode pads for too long on the skin or setting the intensity too high. As with the previous issue on the list, it’s crucial to monitor the time of the treatment and place the pads properly.
- Another thing that might occur when a TEN unit is set on a too high level is muscle twitching. This causes quite an uncomfortable feeling, but it should go away after the setting is turned back to low.
- Some people also find TENS therapy unpleasant. It’s rare, but patients do experience muscle pain and soreness. Again, setting the unit to adequate intensity is crucial for avoiding discomfort.
Who is a Good Candidate for TENS?
TENS units can be found everywhere, including drug stores and the internet. People can purchase and use them without doctors’ prescriptions and recommendations. However, we strongly advise against buying one without consulting a professional. Every patient is different, and TENS units might be contra-productive in some cases. If you want to do what’s safe for you, talk with your doctor before making any decision regarding your health.
When used on well-selected patients, TENS can provide more than 75% pain relief. This applies to pain caused by all kinds of issues, starting with joint and nerve pain in the neck, back, arms, and legs. However, TENS therapy should be avoided or used with caution in patients with pacemakers, pregnant women, and those who have allergic reactions to electrodes. Your chosen doctor will run the necessary test to ensure you are a good candidate for TENS and prescribe proper usage.
Pacific Biomedical TENS Machine
The TENS unit from Pacific Biomedical uses a low voltage electric current to reduce pain in the body. It’s a super-compact device designed for easy carrying around the house, so users can enjoy in-home therapy whenever they find it convenient. Just like any other TENS unit, this one is quite intuitive and easy to use. It has electrodes that go to the skin surface, at the site of the pain or pressure point, and conduct current to stimulate the nerve fibers.
Overall, this TENS unit works simply and efficiently. It provides relief for nerve pain induced from injuries, surgeries, repetitive stress, and more. Although not yet scientifically proven, the TENS unit seems to relieve nerve pain in patients with cancers, tumors, HIV, and postherpetic neuralgia. Of course, Pacific Biomedical also offers consultations to help you with understanding the TENS unit, so you can ask us any further questions you might have about our products.
Why Choose Pacific Biomedical
Pacific Biomedical has been providing Durable Medical Equipment products since 2007, serving Greater Phoenix. Our systems are specially designed to promote faster and healthier healing after surgeries, injuries, and other medical conditions. The medical equipment from Pacific Biomedical is meant to give comfort to the users and allow for in-home recovery, the most convenient way one can spend rehabilitation.
If you’re looking for the TENS unit you can use at your home in Phoenix, Pacific Biomedical will deliver it to your doorstep and provide the necessary guidance. Our teams offer professional support during the first use (and every other). They will set up the device and show you how it’s used, so you can continue further on by yourself. For understanding the TENS unit fully and getting more information about this or another Pacific Biomedical device, contact us today and get a free consultation!
