T.E.N.S. is an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. They are battery powered small devices designed to alleviate acute, chronic, and post-operative pain. They are about the size of an iPod. TENS units are safe, drug free pain management that reduces pain medication needs and supplements other pain control treatments. It is used for pain caused by peripheral nerves and not centrally derived pain. TENS machines are prescription only devices. Sometimes they have attachments that go on your pants or pockets so that they are easy to bring with you.

TENS units are often used along with additional non-operative treatments such as Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Pain Management, Chiropractic Treatment, Spinal Decompression, or Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

How Do They Work?

A TENS machine transmits small square electrical pulses, which are then transmitted to the underlying nerves. The essential components of a TENS Machine are the electrodes, an advanced computer chip, and an electrical battery. The small volume of electricity is transmitted through the electrodes through the skin to the underlying nerves.

The patient can individualize the pulse frequency, which is the electrical current strength give to the electrode (the prescribing provider should set this up).Typically the prescribing provider will show the patient how to use the device and show any advisable setting options.

What problems are relieved with TENS Units?

Neck Pain, Back Pain, Arthritis, Sciatica, headaches, Muscular Strains, TMJ Disorder, Radiculopathy, pain from herniated discs, mid back pain, upper back pain, tendonitis, Sports Injuries, bursitis,

TENS units will not cure a disease or pain problem. They are of no curative value. It is a symptomatic treatment which suppresses pain sensation.

Application of a TENS Unit

Electrodes are placed on or near the area of pain. Relaxing pulses are sent from the electrodes underneath the skin and along nerve fibers. The electrical current travels from the electrodes through one’s skin stimulating nerves to produce a massaging or tingling sensation reducing pain perception. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS Machines also encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own pain killing chemicals called Endorphins.

What time frame does it take for a TENS Unit to start working to relieve pain?

It takes about thirty minutes or less to begin to work. Some individuals utilize their TENS machines off and on throughout the day. It is not usually recommended to be used all the time. It is best to utilize for one to two hours, then take off for a bit.

What does a TENS Machine feel like when it’s turned on?

The device produces a tingling sensation but should not be painful.

Who Should Not Use a TENS Unit?

• Persons using a CARDIAC PACEMAKER
• Has any form of malignancy,
• Various conditions where circulation is impaired.
• People with a heart condition.
• By someone with epilepsy
• Around the head
• With the electrodes placed on the neck near carotid
• It may not be used transcerebrally across the head,
• Not over the carotid sinus(where the jaw meets the neck), over metal implants or in conjunction with sleep apnea or heart monitors.

Be cognizant that TENS units provide symptomatic treatment only and do not cure the problem.

What are possible adverse effects with using TENS Machines?

Users of TENS machines experience significant pain relief by and large. Some individuals note red skin where the electrodes are placed.

How does one obtain a TENS Machine?

One needs a prescription from a medical provider such as a chiropractor or an MD/DO for a TENS Machine. The TENS machine will be set to maximally manage one’s pain and personal instructions for useage will be given. Without undergoing the instruction, the settings should not be changed.

The electrodes are placed on the skin where the pain is being experienced. It is important that you learn how to:

-Correctly put on the electrodes -Operate the Unit -Change the Batteries -Vary the controls and Settings -Set the proper duration and intensity of the stimulation

How well do they work?

For some chronic and acute pain patients, a TENS machine provides pain relief that can last for several hours. A TENS machine may reduce the amount of pain medication necessary.

Research on TENS

Few quality research studies have been done on the use of TENS for pain relief. The research that exists is somewhat controversial. Anecdotally however, individuals often rave about the pain relief obtained. In addition to chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, or pain management treatments, the results tend to be excellent. They also work well in the post-operative setting.

Conclusion

Despite the lack of hard scientific data backing up TENS unit efficacy, they are mainstream for pain control and extremely safe. Ask your medical provider if a TENS unit will relieve pain from your problem.

The Basics Of TENS Machines For Pain Management

Tens Unit Training Movie: From Body Clock Tens machine pain relief experts

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TENS 7000 Pain Management Tens Unit $72.74 This TENS Unit Pain management offers the best pain relief for the back, foot, neck or anywhere that is causing discomfort. When nothing else is working, TENS 7000 Pain management offers that much needed comfort. Technical specifications: Dual channel, isolated between channels Includes: unit, lead wires, 4 individual electrodes, 9v battery, instuctions, casePulse amplitude: Adjustable 0-100 mA peak into 500 ohm load each channel Voltage: 0 – 50 volts (load: 500 ohm)Pulse rate: Adjustable from 2 to 150 Hz, 1 Hz/stepPulse width: Adjustable from 50 to 300 microseconds 10uS/step Wave form: Asymmetrical bi-phasic square pulse 5 Modes: B(burst)/N(normal)/M(modulation)/SD1(strength duration)/SD2 Patient compliance meter: Stores 60 sets of operation recordsTotal recorded time is 999 hours Timer: Adjustable from 5 to 60 minutes or continuous Adjustable in 5 minutes each step Treatment time countdown automatically

Chiro Mate Tens Machine $135.11 Tens unit is used for symptomatic relief and management of chronic intractable pain and adjunctive treatments. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain.Tens uses tiny electrical impulses sent through the skin to nerves to modify your pain perceptionTens ElectrodesLeadwiresBattery: 9 voltsInstruction manualCarrying caseModel: BJ1000Color: BlackUnit dimensions: 8 inches long x 9 inches wide x 3 inches highUnit weight: 1 poundCarrying caseEasy to use and carryStimulate muscleRelaxes sore musclesHelps to relieve tensionPain relief with TENSAdjustable pulseAdjustable timeThe content on this site is not intended to substitute for the advice of a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. The products may have additional information and instructions on or inside the packaging that you should carefully read and follow. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. This product may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Veridian Lower Back Pain Management System with Tens Technology $135.11 Outstanding quality and versatility come together in convenient all-in-one, professional kits. Ideal for nurses, students and EMTs, this ProKit includes a large coordinating attache case or fanny pack.Name: 22-020Uses: For at home pain treatment and deep tissue reliefProduct features: Safe and effectivePortable and convenientAll in one electrode belt, electrode pads and monitorAdjustable belt fits up to 41 inch waist (extender adds an extra 8 inches)System includes eight pre-programmed pulse programs and an adjustable intensity levelStorage bagTwo (2) AAA batteries3-Year limited warranty

Interventional Pain Control in Cancer Pain Management (Hardcover) $294.89 The effective management of pain from cancer is a top priority for patients, carers and healthcare professionals, and has been the subject of extensive research. Approximately two-thirds of cancer patients will experience severe pain, and many of them will have more than one pain. However, because of the increasing number of available treatments for cancer, patients are surviving for longer periods, and are developing complex consequences of their cancer and its treatment, such as central and peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes. Approximately 8 – 10% of cancer pain remains unrelieved by conventional means.Interventional cancer pain management implies the use of invasive techniques, such as neuraxial (epidural, intrathecal and intracerebroventricular) drug administration, brachial and lumbar plexus blocks, autonomic blockade, neurolytic blocks and cordotomy. It can also include TENS, acupuncture and complementary therapies. This book describes specifically the difficult pain problems that are now faced in palliative care and highlights the need for greater collaboration between the disciplines of pain medicine and palliative care. It refers to the psychological and spiritual needs of patients, and provides patient experience data on specialist techniques. The book is an invaluable resource for all healthcare professionals working in palliative care, pain management, and primary care to inform them about the range of interventional techniques available, with evidence of efficacy, side effects and management advice.

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