Information on TENS Units

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) units are used to control chronic or acute pain by sending low voltage electrical impulses to your nerves. They are used for the pain management of such conditions as neck and back pain, sciatica, muscular strains, arthritis or pain from an injury or accident.

Units

• You must have a prescription from your doctor to obtain a TENS unit. Units are available in various sizes, including portable, handheld and desktop. Some are battery-operated and small enough to be worn with a belt clip. According to ChronicPainConnection.com, they cost from $200 up to more than $800 and they are also available to rent. You should check with your insurance carrier to see if they will cover the cost.

How It Works

• Two to four electrodes (sticky patches) are placed on your skin in different areas based on the location of your pain. The frequency of the impulses, as well as their intensity and duration can be adjusted. The electrical impulses are sent through the wires to the electrodes and then to the nerves just below your skin. They essentially block your pain by replacing your sense of pain with a tingling sensation. The impulses may also cause the release of endorphins, a chemical in your body that relieves pain.

Placement of Electrodes

• Placement of the electrodes is important. If you are treating muscle pain, arthritis or muscle spasms, you should place them around the painful areas. However, if you are treating the pain of an incision from recent surgery, you need to place them between the area of the incision and your brain. Your health care professional will show you how to place them for best results.

Treatments

• Treatments may last for a three- and five-day period, three to four hours every day or 24 hours a day, depending on the condition being treated. During your treatment you should inform your health care professional if your muscles begin to twitch or if you feel no tingling at all. It may mean an adjustment is needed in the strength and speed of the impulses.

Skin Care

• Clean your skin with rubbing alcohol before placing the electrodes. If you are using the TENS unit 24 hours a day, you need to remove the electrodes once a day. Clean, dry and apply lotion to your skin where the electrodes were removed. The electrodes should be moved to different locations each time to avoid red and irritated skin.

Risks

• TENS units may interfere with the operation of a pacemaker. If you have a heart condition you should consult your doctor prior to using a TENS unit. In addition, it should not be used if you have malignant tumors, tuberculosis, high fever, high or low blood pressure, an acute inflammatory condition or carotid sinus hypersensitivity.

Considerations

• Never place electrodes near your eyes, or the nerves of your neck, throat or head. Never bathe, shower or sleep with the electrodes attached and the unit operating. You should not apply the electrodes on wounds, broken skin, skin that is wet or on psoriasis or other skin conditions.