Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is used for this kind of pain conditions as post-surgical, deep, neurological, sympathetically mediated, arthritic, myofacial and low back. It is also used to treat vesica incontinence. It is one of the most commonly used types of electronica analgesia. Neuromodulation is produced by restoration of afferent input, direct inhibition of abnormally fired up nerves, endogenous pain control and presynaptic inhibition in the dorsal horn of the spinal-cord.
The TENS therapy units includes one or more electric signal generators, electrodes and a electric battery. It is programmable and small , can provide stimuli with changeable present, pulse widths and pulse rates. Biphasic is the favorite waveform. Individuals are advised to test out intensities and frequencies to get the best setting to provide pain manage. Electrodes are placed within the area of pain and other factors such as traditional chinese medicine sites, bring about points and cutaneous nerves.
There are three regular setting choices used that include conventional, acupuncture-like and pulsed. With the conventional setting it uses a higher frequency and low setting of strength. The duration of the pulse is actually short. Pain alleviation is effective while the device is upon but pain returns when it is off. Individuals will leave the electrodes upon all day and turn all of them on in 30 minute intervals. In some patients the effects can last beyond the stimulus intervals. The acupuncture-like setting offers a low frequency high intensity stimulus. It can be uncomfortable and some patients cannot tolerate it, it’s used when the conventional method does not work. Pulsed utilizes low strength firing in high frequency bursts.
The comfort of the patient is essential in figuring out the effectiveness of the treatment. The higher pulse widths tend to be more painful and the higher strength impulse is as well. Electroconductive gel is applied upon skin underneath the electrodes to minimize any kind of blockage from the current. Problems are rare but sometimes people will possess skin discomfort. The tape used on the electrodes can cause discomfort. People with pacemakers might have problems as well.
Initial pain relief is experienced in 70 to 80 percent of patients however it decreases after a few months close to 20 to 30 %. Many patients use the device on a daily basis. Pulse frequencies and patterns tend to be adjusted regularly. The range of final results fluctuates a great deal, most are favorable.
After surgical treatment, using a TENS therapy units is extremely effective in dealing with mild to moderate pain but is not effective in treating serious pain. There have been beneficial results in using it with regard to myofacial and lower lower back pain. It has been helpful in treating diabetic person neuropathy, urge urinary incontinence and angina pecoria. With regard to regaining engine function in stroke patients and to assist with nausea in patients in chemotherapy it’s been successful.
TENS machines should not be used on patients who have pacemakers. It may cause premature labor in pregnant women. It should not be applied within the carotid sinuses or the anterior neck. Electrodes shouldn’t be placed more than areas that have been burned. TENS units should be utilized carefully with patients with an intrathecal pump or perhaps a spinal cord stimulator.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation may help to relieve some kinds of pain. It is good for short-term alleviation as it is not as effective upon chronic pain. It energizes the production of endorphins.
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This post was written by editor on January 17, 2012
