November 18, 2024
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit works by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes with adhesive pads to attach them to a person’s skin. Research has not proven that it works, but it seems to relieve pain during use.
It may help treat period pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other types of pain.
The electrical impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.
The same electrical impulses also stimulate the body to produce natural pain relievers called endorphins.
TENS units may help treat the following symptoms:
They may also alleviate pain that results from the following conditions:
A TENS unit has controls that allow people to administer an appropriate level of pain relief. People can achieve this by altering the following aspects of the electrical current:
Intensity: A dial allows the user to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation.
Frequency: The frequency refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. High-frequency (HF) pulses range from 80 to 120 cycles per second and may help manage acute pain. Low-frequency (LF) pulses range from 1 to 20 cycles per second and are suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.
Duration: The duration is the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin for during each pulse.
TENS is a noninvasive method for relieving pain. People who experience pain relief from TENS may be able to reduce their intake of pain medications, some of which can be addictive or cause adverse side effects.
TENS units are also convenient because they are small, portable, and relatively discrete. People can carry a TENS unit in their pocket or clip it onto a belt to ensure that they have immediate access to pain relief throughout the day.
