TENS are small machines, battery powered, that deliver electrical current by way of surface electrodes to the skin. These machines are safe, noninvasive, and inexpensive (usually less than $100).

Melzack and Wall published in 1965 their pain gate theory which hypothesized that a gate existed in parts of the spinal cord which could control the traffic of pain sensations. When utilizing TENS units with current, the goal is to trigger the non-painful fibers which can then stop the transmission of painful sensations. TENS modulates the means by which individuals process the pain sensations from the painful region, and potentially help release natural painkillers known as endorphins.

With regards to complications of TENS units, most research shows no adverse effects at all really. Some, however, displayed an incidence of bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Some individuals experienced tingling, pain, and burning, at the site of the electrodes. It does not cause sedation, and does not interact with medications. It is simple to put on, and can be worn and utilized during most physical activities, even during treatment at an arizona pain management center. One contraindication is if the person has a pacemaker, and another one is if the individual is pregnant.

In a large review of existing TENS machine research from the past 2 decades, it has been shown that the quality of research has for the most part been poorly performed. So it is hard to make and true scientific conclusions. There have been well over one hundred scientific studies performed evaluating the effectiveness of TENS units, however, very few actually contained satisfactory numbers to reach any sort of statistical significance.

Even though most of the studies were of poor quality that were looked at, some showed excellent results for low back pain, arthritis pain, postsurgical pain, neurogenic pain, and sympathetically medicated pain.

In the Journal of Pain 2003 there was one study evaluating TENS post-operatively. Excellent results were showed after abdominal surgery using TENS. Useage of TENS decreased pain and allowed increased activity during individual's breathing and walking exercises. A significant amount of studies have shown no statistical difference between placebo and TENS machine effects.

The Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommends TENS units for short term pain relief of hip and knee osteoarthritis. They looked at seven research trials prior to making this recommendation.

When Arizona pain doctors are asked how well TENS works for patients with musculoskeletal pain, the anecdotal reports are very promising. With it being so low-risk, it is a very prominent treatment option that gets utilized frequently for acute and chronic painful issues at an Arizona pain clinic.

Question:

Will a TENS machine help heal my disease, such as bursitis, fracture, or muscle strain?

Answer:

No. A TENS machine is a safe, effective, low tech machine for pain relief only. There is no evidence to back up its efficacy in disease modification, only for symptom management, meaning pain reduction. It shouldn't be confused with a bone growth stimulation device, which works differently with a pulsed electromagnetic field. These devices have some evidence to back up their efficacy with disease modification, such as accelerated fracture healing.

Question:

Is a TENS machine expensive?

Answer:

No, it's not. TENS machines do not cost as much as an ultrasound machine or a bone growth stimulator which can run into the thousands of dollars. They usually cost less than $150 and come with the wires and first set of electrodes. Electrodes are the parts that stick on the skin and submit the electrical impulses. Replacement electrode pads may be bought for less than ten dollars.

Question:

How long can I use my TENS at any one time?

Answer:

It's not recommended to use your TENS unit for more than 2 hours at a time. Then remove it for two hours. There's really no hard and fast rule, but there is a small risk of skin irritation so it's best to be safe.

Question:

Are there dangers associated with TENS?

Answer: There are minor risks with a TENS units. They should not be used on the face or head area or if one has a pacemaker. There is a minor risk of skin irritation from the TENS, just monitor the area where the electrodes are placed.

Question:

For what problems is it ok to use a TENS machine?

Answer:

There are hundreds of problems for which TENS work wonderfully. These include a low back or neck strain/sprain, shoulder tendonitis, ankle sprains, knee arthritis, post-operatively for incisional pain, RSD type pains in the extremities, and a ton more.

Question:

Do I need a prescription for a TENS unit?

Answer:

Yes, any MD, DO, or DC can prescribe a TENS unit. Phoenix Pain Doctors and Arizona Pain Doctors can prescribe.

Question:

Will a TENS machine affect my ability to think?

Answer:

No, in fact the TENS unit involves a small dose of electrical current and no medication at all. It may reduce the amount of pain medications being used and minimize the "narcotic fog" that is often seen. The electrical impulses will not affect the ability to think clearly.

Question:

How does a TENS device actually relieve pain?

Answer:

TENS machines work on the Gate Control theory of pain, which is widely believed. The electrical impulses activate inhibitory cells which can shut down the "Gate" which allows pain signals to travel towards the brain. Less pain signals get through to the brain as the electrical impulses are supplied, and the patient feels less pain.

Question:

Who should not use a TENS machine?

Those who have pacemakers should not utilize TENS units.

Question:

Does insurance cover my TENS unit?

Answer:

Yes it does. Medicare and Medicaid cover TENS in most states along with most private insurances. It all hinges on one's benefits.

TENS Units provide non-pharmaceutical pain control which can reduce dependency on pain medications. They are easy for patients to manage and can be worn during everyday activities such as at work and during recreational activities. They are not addicting and also inexpensive.

TENS are simple and safe without maintaining the risk facotrs of controlled narcotic medications or spinal surgery. Patients can think clearly without living in a "narcotic fog", thereby living more actively and productively.

The TENS unit electrical stimulation alleviates pain by peripheral nerve stimulation by the gate control mechanism. The pain Gate Control Theory means that in the spinal cord exists a control mechanism acting as a gate.

The Gate Control theory was first introduced in 1965 by Melzack and Wall in their Science article "Pain Mechanisms: A New Theory".

According to the pain control theory, the electrical stimulation from TENS machines are a non-noxious input. This input suppresses pain by closing the gate to incoming noxious input, such as pain from an arthritic back. If the gate is closed by non-noxious stimuli, such as that provided by TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli), then the body will not be able to process the noxious stimuli and pain will be therefore reduced. This pain reduction may be assisted with treatment by a Phoenix Chiropractor or an Arizona Pain Center

Here's a more detailed explanation. There are two types of cells in the area of the spinal cord where signals come into. One is "inhibitory" and the other is "transmission". Transmission cells are activated by incoming signals and when a critical threshold level is reached, pain starts as the gate opens and the brain receives those signals and processes them as pain. The job of the inhibitory cells is to inhibit activation of the transmission cells, thereby closing the gate and keeping it closed. The job of a TENS machine is to close the gate by exciting the inhibitory cells.

TENS machines produce two different current frequencies below the pain threshold that are tolerated by patients. This way, they shut the gate instead of opening it.