A few weeks ago we ran a very successful blog on pain management.  One of the threads was about using TENS machine to help treat pain.  To read more of the blog please go to https://patienttalk.org/?p=225.

One of the big discussions was the use of TENS machine to treat pain. With one reader saying

“I had a friend that let me try his tens unit just when my nerve pain was starting. Within 5 minutes of using the tens unit my pain was gone. I then saw a PT Dr. who said the tens unit helps a whole bunch of patients. It is worth a shot, they are not that expansive and is better than medicine.”

On the other hand another reader recounted “no it does its makes it worst i use it to the tens unit and it doesnt do anything for my pain.”

So it seems that experiences are pretty divided.  Because of these we thought it would be interesting to focus on the use of TENS machines to treat pain.  We would love it if you could tell us about your experience of using TENS machines in the comments box below.

But what actually is a TENS machine and how does it work?  Well TENs machines, or to give then their full name Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machines use of electrical current to reduce pain.  Typically the current is applied by two or more electrodes on the skin.

Have you ever used a TENS machine?  How effective did you find it?

It would be great if you could share your knowledge with other readers of the blog.  To help you frame your contribution you might wish to consider the following questions:-

a)      What is your main medical condition which caused you pain?

b)      Have you ever tried a TENS machine?

c)       How effective was the TENS machine compared to other treatments?

d)      How did you use the TENS machine?  For how long and where on your skin for example?

e)      How did you obtain the TENS machine?  Is there any machine you would recommend?

 

Obviously these are just guidelines so please share anything you think may be of interest or useful to other readers in the comments box below.

Many thanks in advance for your contributions to the blog!