The Best Placement of TENS Electrodes for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the channels in the spine narrow. This may be the result of normal aging or a congenital condition. The result of spinal stenosis may be chronic pain with compression on the nerve root extending from the spinal column. Patients may develop shooting pain, numbness and weakness in extremities. A TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can lead to a 50 percent reduction in chronic pain, according to Dr. Gerard Malanga of the Overlook Hospital.

Diagnosing the Location

• For TENS to be effective, you need to properly diagnose the condition and location of the problem. While you may be feeling pain in your fingers, the source may be stenosis in the cervical region of your neck. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the proper diagnosis with the use of diagnostic tools such as an MRI of your spine. Once you have the diagnosis, you can proceed to use the TENS unit at the source location.

Placement

• The initial placement of the TENS electrodes will consist of flanking the area being compressed by stenosis and causing pain. There are four electrodes with the TENS unit, with two on the left side of the spine and two on the right side of the spine. On each side, you will have one electrode placed above the diagnosed vertebrae and one below it.

  The use of TENS may require adjustments to the initial placement of the electrodes to determine the maximum pain relief. Adjustments may be needed to bring the electrodes closer to the spine or farther from it. It may also mean spreading them over the cervical region.

Warnings

• Never place the TENS electrodes on an open wound. Don't place it over your throat region. People who have pacemakers or suffer from epilepsy should not use TENS units. Consult your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about using electrical stimulation as a form of pain relief.