How to Relieve Back Pain with Electric Shock

Electric shock, or electrotherapy, for back pain relief has been used for many years with good results, according to Spine-Health.com. Electrical stimulation works by blocking pain messages sent to the brain and causing the brain to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Three therapy units are the most frequently used for electrical back pain relief.

Things You'll Need

• TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator)
• Interferential current stimulator
• Galvanic stimulator

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Instructions

• 1

  The TENS unit is portable and can be used at home or when on the go. Apply the electrodes to the painful area on your back. Start electrical stimulation on the lowest setting and slowly increase intensity to find the right stimulation to relieve your pain. Some units may come with only two settings of low and high. Experiment by placing the electrodes in different areas of your back. Use the unit on low intensity for 20 to 30 minutes, as this is a more uncomfortable setting. Leave the unit on for several hours on high intensity, as this setting is more tolerable. Use the unit for days or weeks to find the right frequency and location for the electrodes.

• 2

  Use an interferential current stimulator if you cannot get relief from a TENS unit. The interferential current is stronger and penetrates deeper into the skin. Use the unit settings the same way as a TENS unit to find the right intensity settings.

• 3

  Use a galvanic stimulator for back injuries involving major tissue trauma. Apply adhesive pads from the unit onto the painful area of the back. Galvanic stimulators apply a direct current into the back, whereas the TENS and interferential current stimulators only deliver an alternating current. A direct current changes blood flow and reduces swelling and inflammation, which promotes healing.