Tens Unit for Back Pain

The acronym TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, a small electronic device that delivers current through electrodes placed on the skin. Many physicians use TENS in their offices to help patients with pain associated with arthritis, headaches, muscle strains, TMJ disorder and especially back pain. It's also Food and Drug Administration-approved for home use.

Considerations

• If you're experiencing chronic pain, check with your doctor for a thorough examination and about the possibility of getting TENS treatment, since it does require a prescription. TENS units are available to rent or purchase, and can cost from $200 to more than $800, although some insurance providers will reimburse the cost. Certain conditions may preclude using a TENS unit, such as having a pacemaker or other cardiac conditions, or being pregnant, since it's not known how TENS affects an unborn baby.

What is TENS?

• TENS involves passing an electric current through the body via electrodes taped to your skin from a small battery-operated box about the size of a PDA. Some people like to think of it as the electrical equivalent of acupuncture. There are two theories about how it works, the gate theory and the endorphin theory. The gate theory says that by overstimulating nerves with electrical current, the TENS unit confuses the brain and blocks pain signals from getting through. The endorphin theory states that the TENS unit stimulates the production of the body's natural morphine-like substances, the endorphins.

How to Use TENS

• Receive instructions from a health professional after you rent or purchase a TENS unit. Let the professional know if the sensation is uncomfortable or if your muscles are twitching, which can help her adjust the settings. Most units have several modes of operation and come with two channels, so you can use one unit to relieve pain at two body locations simultaneously. Sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to the skin over the painful area or along acupuncture points, although you should vary the placement of the electrodes for each treatment to avoid skin irritation. Units can be worn at home, to work, or in your car for several hours a day or all day, but they're not recommended for use during sleep. Patients report that it takes about 30 minutes for TENS treatment to begin to relieve pain, with some finding hours of pain relief from short 30- to 60-minute sessions.

Does TENS Work?

• A study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in June 1990 found that for patients with chronic low back pain, treatment with TENS is no more effective than treatment with a placebo. However, the bottom line is if something works for you and you are happy with the results, stick with it. Still, if you're considering buying a TENS unit, dig deeper into the research before you making such an expensive purchase. What is not controversial is that TENS is completely safe when used as directed. There are few side effects, though some patients experience reddened skin where the electrodes are placed, which can be lessened by using gels. TENS units are also non-addictive and drug-free, something that conventional narcotics can't match. Consider renting a unit for a month first to see if it works for you.