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Local Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Overview

Definition

 

Local Electrical Nerve Stimulation

What is it?

  • This is a form of pain treatment that can be used for chronic or acute pain.

  • It is commonly referred to as a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit

    • A small box attached to pads that are placed on the area of skin where the pain is felt

  • It can be used on people experiencing a lot of different illnesses and symptoms.

    • Back pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathy caused by diabetes, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, migraines, and other chronic pain conditions; muscle soreness, post-operative pain

  • Overall benefits include:

    • Pain reduction

    • Increased circulation

    • Improved quality of sleep

    • Decreased use of pain relieving medications

    • Increased motion and function

    • Reduce or eliminate muscle spasms

How does it work?

  • We do not fully understand how TENS units decrease pain

  • They may block pain pathways and increased the production of serotonin and endorphins

  • It’s considered to be a noninvasive way to keep pain signals from reaching the brain

  • One study showed that a using a TENS unit decreases inflammation within the nerves

  • A TENS unit allows you to adjust the pulse, frequency, and intensity of the electrical impulses

  • There should be a mild to moderate tingling sensation that can be uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

Guidelines

  • Do not place the pads over a wound or area of skin irritation

  • Do not place the pads near your eyes or over your throat

  • Adjust the intensity so that is comfortable enough to let you do your normal activities

  • If you have a cardiac pacemaker, check with your doctor before using a TENS unit

Sources

Maeda, T., Yoshida, H., Sasaki, T., & Oda, A. (n.d.). Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) simultaneously combined with local heat and cold applications enhance pain relief compared with tens alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis? Journal of physical therapy science. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29184307/

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Davis and DeRosa Physical Therapy. (2021). Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.davisandderosa.com/Pain-Care/Transcutaneous-Electrical-Nerve-Stimulation-TENS/a~5850/article.html

Yang, H., Datta-Chaudhuri, T., George, S. J., Haider, B., Wong, J., Hepler, T. D., Andersson, U., Brines, M., Tracey, K. J., & Chavan, S. S. (2022, October 5). High-frequency electrical stimulation attenuates neuronal release of inflammatory mediators and ameliorates neuropathic pain. Bioelectronic medicine. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9533511/