TENS Machine Information

A TENS machine administers alternative therapy referred to as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS involves the use of low voltage electrical currents or impulses. The premise is that this affects your body's own electromagnetic energy fields. The impulses are administered through electrodes attached to the skin of the body where pain is experienced. Supporters claim TENS has many uses for healing, but the effectiveness of TENS machines remains largely unproven within the medical community.

How Does it Work

A patient can visit an alternative medicine practitioner or a physical therapist, or purchase a TENS machine for use at home, with a prescription. There are over 100 FDA-approved TENS machines available for home purchase. In any of these situations, the first step involves hooking electrodes to the patient's skin close to the source where the patient is experiencing pain. The electrodes are attached to the TENS machine, which is an electrical powered unit, by wires. The machine is turned on, and electrical current travels from the wire to the electrodes to the body. The patient may feel a sensation of tingling or warmth. The machine may be used for between 5 and 15 minutes, and can be be used as often as necessary.

History

According to the American Cancer Society, the theory behind the TENS machine was developed by Dr. Ronald Melzac and Dr. Patrick Wall in 1965. Melzac and Wall believed that the electronic stimulation of nerves caused a reaction in the spinal cord, which blocked the body from experiencing pain. This idea formed the basis for the TENS machine, which became a commonly used form of therapy in the 1970s.

Suggested Uses

According to the American Cancer Society, supporters of TENS machines believe that they are useful for managing pain associated with a number of conditions including surgery, childbirth, migraines, sports injuries, arthritis, tendinitis, cancer and other serious illnesses. The American Cancer Society states that, although many practitioners believe Tens can cure pain, few believe the therapy actually cures the underlying causes of the pain. Instead, the pain-relieving properties are thought to be associated with stimulating the production of natural pain killers within the body, called endorphines.

Medical Evidence

The American Cancer Society suggests that the use of the TENS machine may be useful at short-term pain relief, but that there is little conclusive evidence demonstrating its effectiveness at relieving long-term pain. The ACS site's small clinical studies that have demonstrated that patients experiencing mild nerve damage pain may experience pain relief form the use of the TENS machine. Additional studies are cited by the American Cancer Society, some of which suggest the TENS machine has been useful in pain management while others have demonstrated that it did not relieve pain associated with surgery, or childbirth, and that TENS was not as effective as other alternative treatments at managing lower back pain.

Risks & Side Effectss

There are few side effects associated with a TENS machine, when used properly. However, if the electrical currents are too intense and/or the TENS machine is used correctly, surface burns can appear on the skin. Those who are pregnant or have heart problems should not use TENS. Finally, electrodes should not be attached directly over the heart, on the brain, over the eyes, or on the front of the throat.