Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy
Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy is a technique used to
treat extreme or ongoing pain. A doctor sends electrical pulses to a specific nerve. The pulse is small enough that it does not cause pain, but does warm the tissue in the area where the electricity travels through. Although it appears that warmth soothes away pain and stiffness, there is not complete agreement on why the
treatment works (1). Some
doctors believe small amounts of electricity in the nerves scrambles pain impulses to the brain, while other doctors think the electricity stimulates the body to produce endorphins (2). Endorphins are natural hormones that cause the body to feel good, the same hormones responsible for the high many people feel after a good workout. Since these are natural hormones produced by the body, there is nothing addictive about this form of pain relief.
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Electrodes attached to the skin in the effected area deliver the electrical current. The current itself is generated by a battery operated portable device that the patient can carry with him and turn on whenever the pain becomes intense. Most of the units are about the size of a small radio, but there are some that are closer in size to a credit card (3). Although it is noninvasive, and the current used is too small to cause damage, the devises are only available with a prescription from a doctor.
Unfortunately this pain control method does not work for everyone, and people with pacemakers can't use the generators because of potential interference with the pacemaker. Some researchers also question using TENS because few studies have scientifically shown a direct correlation between electrical current use and pain reduction. Doctors who use TENS, however, rely on reports from their own patients and the treatments apparent effectiveness for at least some people.