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Electronic Stimulation for Pain

Chronic pain or pain from an illness or injury can be treated with electronic stimulation. For people who cannot tolerate pain medication, electronic stimulation may be an effective alternative.

  1. Your Body's Pain Response

    • Your body transmits pain through nerves. These nerves act as highways for the impulses to and from your brain that cause you to feel pain. Because nerve activity is electrical, electronic stimulation can help to block or mask pain.

    TENS Unit

    • A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a device that emits weak electrical current. It consists of a battery-powered, pocket-sized box connected to wires that have electrodes attached to them.

    How a TENS Unit Works

    • The electrodes are sticky patches that are attached to your skin. A painless electrical current is then passed through the electrodes and onto your skin. This current can block the nerve impulses causing pain. The electrical current interrupts the pain signal from reaching the brain.

      TENS units are also used to mask pain. This is accomplished by placing the electrodes near the area where pain is being experienced. The electrical stimulation causes you to feel a tingling sensation that helps to diminish the actual pain you may be feeling.

    Use for Electronic Stimulation for Pain

    • Electronic stimulation can be used for pain after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe that the electrodes be placed around the area of the surgical incision. This helps to block and mask the pain you may feel after surgery. This treatment is usually done for three to five days while you are in the hospital.

      The pain from a muscle injury or overuse can be helped by electronic stimulation. For this application the electrodes are placed on the skin above the muscle causing pain. This can be an effective therapy for back pain. You may be able to use a TENS unit at home after you are given instructions from a medical professional.

      Phantom limb pain, which is pain from a missing limb, can be treated with electronic stimulation by placing the electrodes around the area where the limb was removed. Arthritis can also be treated with electronic stimulation. For the treatment of arthritis, the electrodes are placed on the skin where joint pain occurs.

    Precautions in Using Electronic Stimulation for Pain

    • Your muscles may twitch while you are using your unit. If this happens, it may mean the current is too strong. Your caregiver will be able to adjust the current to a lower setting. You should feel a tingling while using your TENS unit. If you do not feel anything, this may mean your settings are too low.

      If you are wearing your TENS unit around the clock, you should remove the electrodes at least once a day to check the skin under them for irritation. If irritation is present, gently wash your skin and apply lotion to the area. A new location for the electrodes should be found to prevent further irritation.

      If you have a pacemaker you may not be able to use electronic stimulation. The signals from the unit may interfere with the action of your pacemaker. If you have heart problems, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting electronic stimulation therapy.

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