A TENS machine is a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device. What this means is that it utilizes an electrical current to interrupt the body’s pain receptors and provide relief to those with various levels of pain. As with most alternative medicine, it is relatively controversial and understudied, but for many with adverse reactions to modern medicines, it is their only opportunity for relief.
What makes TENS machines so effective?
Clinical trials for alternative healing treatments like TENS are limited and do not provide enough evidence to move into mainstream acceptance, but that does not mean they don’t work. The very nature of how they work is not an exact science, but there is a reason why so many people are turning to this form of treatment. The nerves in our body are essentially a network of electrical pulses and communications that tell the brain what, when, where, and how pain and other sensations are perceived in the body. The basic idea behind the TENS machine is to block or interrupt these signals where there is discomfort or inflammation that is causing you to experience pain.
Depending on the rate of these electrical pulses and the voltage, each personal interaction with the machine can vary and must be fine-tuned to each individual’s needs. The TENS machine’s job is to unlock the door to the controlling frequency of the brain’s pain receptors and jamming that signal enough to the point where the host stops feeling pain or it is reduced significantly long enough for them to carry about basic daily activities in which they could not before.
Another facet of the TENS machines that is supported strongly by fundamental biology is the stimulation of endorphins, which are produced in response of “fight or flight” situations along with adrenaline, moments of pleasure or happiness, and more emotional responses which trigger the production. Endorphins are more powerful than the strongest dose of morphine by-volume, so if the TENS machine can reliably trigger its response, it is clearly the best form of natural pain relief than anything else on the planet.
Who uses TENS machines?
It is best to utilize a TENS machine with the approval and recommendation of a specialist or other medical professional. What may be appropriate and recommended for one patient, may not necessarily be the case for another.
A portable TENS machine is normally controlled by the client at home, but also very frequently used for treatment by chiropractors, physical therapists, pain management specialists, and more. This implies its settings can be balanced, without necessarily always visiting a trained expert. Regularly, a machine would be utilized for 15 - 30 minutes per session, a few times each day.
TENS machines are most generally utilized for individuals with musculoskeletal inflammation, for example, chronic lower back problems, or knee joint inflammation. They are also frequently utilized for dull, drawn-out pain as a part of the early days of work, or especially whilst a pregnant woman stays at home. Different uses incorporate headaches, migraines, periods, athletic soreness, and cases of restlessness; this begins to venture into more experimental usage.
TENS machines can be utilized alone for inflammation help or be consolidated with different medications. The utilization of a TENS machine may permit decrease of the measure of painkilling meds you take. Despite the fact that you may need to find your own settings on your TENS machine before finding the best one for you, there are no standard reactions from utilizing a TENS machine. A TENS machine may be justified regardless of a trial, especially if ordinary agony alleviation techniques have been attempted and found ineffective.
Critically, TENS machines can be costly. It is presumably best on the off chance that you are offered to use one or obtain one initially, to give it a shot.
What Cautions should be taken for TENS machines?
As mentioned previously, the type of pain and the location of that pain is what help will determine whether a TENS machine can be used safely and provide symptom-free relief. It is used a lot on joint, muscle, and nerve damage. More sensitive or fleshy areas of the body, such as the abdominal muscles may be too intense for some. There is also extra care that needs to be taken for anyone wanting to use a TENS machine on the head or chest, especially for those who have any history with heart problems or seizures.
It is a good idea to have the causes of your pain symptoms properly diagnosed before even attempting to self-medicate. Pregnant women should also be advised by a medical professional who is familiar with TENS units.
