Southwest Spine and Sport in Fort Myers, Florida, treat many patients with chronic and acute pain syndromes. Many patients find relief from the use of a TENS unit.
The benefits of a trancutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit, or TENS, result from electrical impulses that reduce the sensation of pain. According to Dr. William Teller of Stanford University Department of Material Sciences, other studies have shown that the TENS unit increases the body's production of endorphins, a naturally released painkiller. The TENS is a common treatment device in which electrodes placed on the skin cause an electrical current that decreases pain signals.
Decreases Pain Perception
The TENS unit website explains that pads are placed near the pain as electrical pulses resonate through the pads to the skin. The skin supplies a series of nerve fibers that decrease pain signals sent to the brain. The wearer of the device controls the intensity and location of the electrical impulses. The unit helps the body to produce greater levels of natural pain-killing chemicals known as endorphins, and decreases the perception of pain. The unit sends impulses through wires connected to electrodes placed at pain sights on the body.
Federal Law (U.S.) restricts the sale of these devices to or by the order of a physician. In accordance with Federal Law, a prescription is required to purchase a TENS unit if you are a patient ordering in the U.S. (replacement patches and accessories do not require a prescription). There are certain instances when a TENS unit or other electrotherapy device should not be used, and your doctor can advise you of these. TENS units should not be used if you are wearing a cardiac pacemaker except under the advice of a physician.
For continuous or timed treatment, this basic TENS unit is most commonly used for the treatment of back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and labor pain. It is simple to use and features 3 modes of operation: Burst, Constant, and Modulation. Three timer settings: 30 min, 60 min, or continuous. Complete and ready to use including carrying case, instruction manual, battery, leadwires, and 4 electrodes.
Common Uses: Back pain, Neck pain, Labor pain, Joint pain, Arthritis, Post-op pain, Post-traumatic acute pain, chronic pain.
