Electric Pain Relief
TENS machines are small, inexpensive machines that stimulate muscles and joints to relieve pain. They work by using special electrical signals to stimulate nerves. This stimulates the same receptors that very strong pain relievers (the opiates) use. In fact, it seems to work best for those people who have taken strong opiate pain relievers like Percocet or Oxycontin.
Hook up
TENS machines are battery-powered, handheld devices with at least two plugs that attach to wires. The wires have small pads on the ends, around 1” square. These pads are slightly tacky and are attached to the body at the point of pain. Good placement of the pads makes the pain relief more effective. The pads work best at trigger points or knots that seem to be an intersection of nerves.
Block Pain
TENS machines work at the pain site by reducing a nerve chemical called substance P. This is the same substance that is blocked by the pepper extract in Lakota Roll-on pain relievers, so using both at the same time may reduce the effectiveness. If you use them together, it is best to use them at least 6 hours apart.
Overall Pain Relief
Nerves stimulated by TENS machines release compounds into the bloodstream that turn down the volume on pain. In this way, they work similarly to powerful opiate pain relievers that dull pain. Like drug pain relivers, they provide pain relief, not just where the pads are attached but through the whole body.
Shocking Relief
At higher intensities, TENS machines increase blood flow to painful areas, also helping with pain relief. At these higher levels, TENS machines cause muscle contractions. It feels a bit like a small, pulsating, electrical shock.
Electric Massage
Most TENS machines can be set with different programs that work through a cycle that feels like a massage. It can act like a massage’s kneading action by slowly increasing the intensity, which slowly contracts the muscle and then releases it. It takes a bit of time to find the program or cycle that works best.
Start off Easy
At first, a TENS machine can be freaky. If you stick the pads on and turn it to max the first time, you will never use it again. Be sure to start slowly and turn it up slowly until you can just feel it. This makes it seem like using a TENS machine is uncomfortable, and it can be at maximum intensity. Still, it can be soothing sensation after you get over the initial jolt of tingling.
Change it Up
Over the long-term, it helps to vary the cycle and program. Like a strong pain-relieving drug, you can build up a tolerance to it, and you need more and more intensity. Variation in the program can keep the tolerance to a minimum and the pain relief to the maximum. TENS offers the best pain relief at the higher intensities. It doesn’t do much at low intensities, which is why some studies don’t show much pain relief with TENS.
Pro Tools Not Required
Some chiropractors or physiotherapists, or other pain management specialists, offer TENS treatment in their office, but it can often be done at home. TENS machines are available for under $100.
Works for Other Pain
It can work for arthritis and joint pain as well as diabetic nerve pain, muscle pain, and other painful conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Drug-Free Pain Relief
There is no universal cure-all for pain, and nothing works for everyone, but it might be worth trying a TENS machine. It can provide short-term pain relief without resorting to drugs.
