MOREPATIENTS TRYING TENS FORPAINRELIEF Scientists cite limited research on results
As patients and physicians seek non-opioid treatments to manage pain, one modality that has been growing in popularity is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation devices, or TENS units. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain. Electrodes or mediums for electricity to travel to the body, placed on the body at the site of pain deliver electricity that travels through the nerve fibers. The electric currents block the pain receptors from being sent from the nerves to the brain. A patient will receive a small, battery operated TENS machine to use at home. In most cases, a doctor, physical therapist, or acupuncturist adjusts the machine to the correct settings. The provider shows the patient how to use the machine before sending him or her home with the TENS device. The first modern, patient-wearable TENS was patented in the United States in 1974. It was initially used for testing the tolerance of chronic pain patients to electrical stimulation before implantation of electrodes in the spinal cord dorsal column. The electrodes were attached to an implanted receiver, which received its power from an antenna worn on the surface of the skin. “A few studies have produced objective evidence that TENS may modulate or suppress pain signals in the brain.” -32-
Some patients found relief Although intended only for testing tolerance to electrical stimulation, many of the patients said they received so much relief from the TENS itself that they never returned for the implant. Physical therapy and chronic pain clinics have been using TENS for chronic pain for decades. TENS therapy can be used to treat both chronic (long lasting) and acute (short-term) pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common conditions that TENS therapy is used to treat are: • Osteoporosis-related joint, bone, or muscle problems • Fibromyalgia-related joint, bone, or muscle problems • Tendinitis (muscle tissue inflammation) • Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid- filled pads that cushion the joints)
• Neck pain • Labor pain • Cancer pain
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker