What
is TENS?
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation. TENS can be an effective
way of managing both acute (short term pain) and chronic (long term) pain on
its own or when used in conjunction with other ways of relieving pain.
TENS will not cure your pain but it can help to
reduce your pain to a more acceptable level making life easier for you.
How
does TENS work?
The TENS machine can work in two ways but firstly it
is important to understand how the body feels pain. Messages are sent from the brain to all areas
of the body and back again by the nerves, which run from the brain down the
spinal cord spreading out to the trunk, arms and legs. If you touch something hot a message will flash
along the nerves, up the spinal cord and into the brain. A second message would immediately be sent
back to the same area telling you to move your hand away. This process takes only a fraction of a
second.
TENS works by a method called pain gating where the
stimulation of the TENs machine blocks the messages to the brain telling it the
body is experiencing pain. It also
encourages the brain to produce the bodies own natural painkilling hormones
known as endorphins.
The electrical stimulation is delivered to the body
by a machine about the size of a personal stereo although some machines can be
smaller. A TENS machine has a pair of
wires connected to two outlets on the machine. Attached to these wires are small electrode
pads, which stick to the body like a sticking plaster (see individual machine
instructions). These pads are placed
above the area of pain, usually on either side of the spine but this may vary
depending on where the pain is felt. The
TENS machine is small enough to conveniently wear it clipped onto the waistband
of trousers or a skirt and continue with your usual activities. When in use a tingling sensation can be felt. This should not be an unpleasant feeling. Adjusting the rate and depth of the tingling
sensation using the controls on the machine can control the intensity and
frequency of this sensation.
The electrodes should never be placed over the front
of the neck as this can cause problems with blood pressure.
Will TENS work for everyone?
TENS may not work for everyone, as some people do not
find it makes any difference in reducing their pain. Others may find the tingling sensation
unpleasant. Using the machine correctly
will increase the chance of gaining some benefit. It is important that if you do decide to use a
TENS machine you make sure you are shown how to use it correctly. If you order your TENS machine from a
catalogue or purchase one from a shop and do not understand the instructions
contact the manufacturer or the retailer. The book Kings Guide to TENS details at
the end of this Information Sheet is an easy to read guide on using TENS. Patience and perseverance may be needed
initially to achieve the best results from your machine.
Many people will combine other pain relieving
therapies with their TENS machine such as painkillers, physiotherapy,
hydrotherapy, complementary therapies and relaxation techniques.
TENS should not be used in the following
circumstances
- If a heart
pacemaker is fitted
- During the
first three months of pregnancy the electrodes should not be placed on the
trunk or pelvis (lower body and hip region)
- If the
skin is broken the electrodes should not be applied over this area
- Whilst
driving or operating machinery
- Over skin
where no sensation can be felt
- If a
cochlear implant is fitted
If you have epilepsy you should not be alone when
using your TENS as, if a seizure occurs the intensity of the machine may be
accidentally increased causing skin damage.
