Researchers are still determining how effective TENS units are for reducing pain. A study found that TENS was effective in relieving pain for patients with fibromyalgia. In , a study suggested that TENS may improve bone pain for cancer patients, but the results were inconclusive because of a limited number of randomized clinical trials.
Research does suggest that some factors can impact the effectiveness. Varying the dose intensity and frequency of the TENS unit may help it be more effective so you don't develop a tolerance to it. You may also benefit by using the strongest intensity that's still comfortable. In addition, using the electrodes in areas that are acupuncture points may help to reduce pain.
Some healthcare providers may offer TENS therapy in their office, or they can give you a prescription for using one at home.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Health Service UK. TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Updated August 10, Teoli D, An J. StatPearls Publishing. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain, fatigue and hyperalgesia while restoring central inhibition in primary fibromyalgia.
Using TENS for pain control: the state of the evidence. Pain Manag. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including:. It's also sometimes used as a method of pain relief during labour.
There's not enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing.
Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated. However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.
If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to a GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic. A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help. You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it's generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly. To get the most benefit from TENS, it's important that the settings are adjusted correctly for you and your individual condition.
More expensive machines are not necessarily any better than lower-priced ones, so it's best to do some research before you buy. This is a general guide on how to use a TENS machine. However, the electrical impulses that a TENS unit produces may cause a buzzing, tingling, or prickling sensation, which some people may find uncomfortable. Some people may be allergic to the adhesive pads. Anyone who experiences skin redness and irritation can switch to using hypoallergenic ones instead.
It is vital never to place the electrodes on either the front of the neck or the eyes. Putting electrodes on the neck can lower blood pressure and cause spasms. On the eyes, the electrodes can increase pressure within the eye and possibly cause an injury. Although it is safe for most people, experts recommend that some groups of people avoid TENS treatment unless a doctor advises its use. Due to a lack of high-quality research and clinical trials, researchers have not yet determined whether TENS is a reliable treatment for pain relief.
One study found that TENS treatment provided temporary pain relief for people with fibromyalgia while the machine was in use. While there is a lack of strong clinical evidence for its effectiveness, TENS is a low-risk pain relief option for many people. Research shows that people who use a TENS unit on a daily basis at the same frequency and intensity can develop a tolerance to the treatment.
A person who develops tolerance will no longer feel the same level of pain relief that they did when they first used the unit. The range of intensities of the electrical stimulation may account for some of the differences in research findings. TENS may be more effective if people place the electrodes on acupuncture points.
Acupuncture is a practice that uses needles to stimulate the nerves beneath the skin at specific locations known as acupuncture points. Experts believe that this assists the body in producing endorphins. One review found some evidence that people who receive TENS through acupuncture points may experience a reduction in pain.
The duration of pain relief after using a TENS unit can vary. Some people report that their pain returns as soon as they switch off the device. Others continue to experience an adequate level of pain relief for up to 24 hours. A review suggests that the duration of pain relief increases after repeated TENS treatments. However, this repetition can also increase the likelihood of a person building up a tolerance to the treatment. The research on using a TENS unit for pain relief has so far yielded inconsistent results due to a lack of high-quality scientific studies and clinical trials.
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