TENs stands for 'Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation' Which means that it stimulates the nerves
through the skin. The stimulation is by small electrical pulses which pass through the skin via pads which are
placed on it. These electrical pulses do not hurt.
The TENS machine action to block pain is based on the 'gate
theory' idea of pain. Gate theory says that the bundles of nerve fibres which are present at intervals
along nerves must be open to allow pain stimuli to pass through. If the 'gate' is closed the stimulus will be
stopped and will never reach the brain where it would be felt as pain. The idea of TENS is that the electrical
stimulus from the machine will occupy the nerve pathway preventing pain stimuli from passing through. This in
effect keeps the 'gate' closed.
TENS may relieve pain in another way too. The electrical pulses are thought to cause the release of
endorphins, the natural opiate that provides a gentle high when released. This hormone can make you feel a lot
better even if your pain is not much changed.
TENS and Back Pain
Studies have shown that back pain is one of the chronic pains that can be helped a lot by by TENS. Other
conditions that TENS can help with are listed below.
It is important that the TENS pads are placed correctly in relation to the pain. When you first use a TENS
machine you do need to have a professional health care provider show you how to place them. Usually the ppads
will be placed close to the source of the pain but with some nerve pains such as sciatica the pads may be
attached on the top of the painful leg and on either side of the spine. It may need a few visits to get the
pads in just the right spot to block the pain.
All TEns machines are adjustable so that you get just the right level of electrical stimulation. Your health
care provider will help you to adjust it to the right setting for your condition. TENS machines all come with
advice and full instructions but it is still important to get professional advice on its optimum usage before
you begin to use it.
One important caution is that if you have a pacemaker or a problem with your heart you should not use a TENS
machine. It is also advisable not to use one in pregnancy.
The LG TENS Dual Combo provides you with the "dual" benefits of both a tens unit for acute and chronic pain and
a muscle stimulator for muscle pain, muscle toning, education, massage, and rehabilitation. it has 100ma, which is
the optimum intensity level - just like in the therapist office. Comes with a 5 year warranty and satisfaction
guarantee
"5.0 out of 5 stars A "Shocking" Piece of Equipment" By
Maria about the LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Machine and Muscle Stimulator System with Carrying Case,
Electrodes, and Battery Included (Health and Beauty)
"This unit will do two things for you. First of all, it is a "TENS" unit. TENS stands for Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is most commonly used to get rid of pain, particularly back pain- but TENS
can work just about anywhere in the body that you hurt.
How does it do this? In short, by blocking your pain. Since pain is carried on the SMALL diameter nerve
fibers, and the TENS unit stimulates the LARGE diameter sensory nerves- the result is that the pain signal
is blocked by the tingly sensation that the TENS unit provides.
Pretty neat. In case you're wondering, the pads help conduct the electricity from the unit to your
skin. Know that they do wear out and lose their "stickiness" over time, so the set you get in the kit won't
last you forever- but you can order more here on Amazon, among other places.
Now the other thing this unit is, is a muscle stimulator. This means that it can apply an electrical
current to your muscle through the electrodes, and if you turn it up high enough, your muscle will contract
and tighten. Muscle stimulators like this are used a lot in the rehabilitation of injuries, like knee
injuries or after surgery.
The LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator System with Carrying Case, Electrodes, and Battery
Included is a pretty verstatile model for the money and allows you to use up to 4 electrode pads at the
same time- allowing you to cover a lot of pain areas.
A handy device that is used a lot by the medical profession, I think a lot of people will find it useful
for common ailments such as back or neck pain.
Also recommend Treat Your Own Spinal Stenosis for those looking for some effective back
exercises."
Another reviewer wrote:
5.0 out of 5 stars 'Excellent product'
June 22, 2010 By G. Mann
"This is a great product at an exceptional value. It has significantly help decrease back pain for my
husband."
You can get more information and more user's feedback on this TENS here
