Are You Pickin’ Up Good Vibrations?

A TENS unit may be a nice option if you suffer from chronic pain.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS unit is a small device that can hook on your belt. It has two to four leads that connect to the device on one end and at the other end to adhesive pads or electrodes that are placed on your skin. The unit is then turned on and slowly turned up to deliver a mild electrical impulse to the region. This is usually perceived as a tingly or vibratory sensation. These vibratory sensations impede the body’s ability to send and receive pain messages from the brain and can result in the relaxation of muscles and diminished pain. There is also some thought that this process can also trigger the release of natural pain killers or endorphins.

If you deal with back pain, neck pain, joint pain, postoperative pain, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, diabetic neuropathy, cancer pain, headache, or menstrual cramping, a TENS unit may be a treatment worth considering. Some have even reported that utilizing their TENS unit has resulted in a decreased need for opiates when used in conjunction. However, if you are pregnant, or have a pacemaker, or cardiac issues a TENS unit is not recommended.

Some patients have demonstrated a reaction to the adhesive on the electrodes. Mild rashes have been reported and some find the vibratory or buzzing sensation to be uncomfortable.

If you are dealing with chronic pain issues and are looking for an adjunct to your current therapy, please ask your ASAP provider about a TENS unit to assist in addressing your pain. Who knows? You may just get good, good, good, good pain relief and excitations worth singing about.