Many people claim transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units word wonders for back pain. But, there’s no hard proof TENS units can consistently relieve pain.
TENS devices have been around since the ‘50s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s thatinfomercials started advertising them on the reg.
These days, TENS isFDA-approvedto provide pain relief for:
They deliver tiny electrical impulses to your nerves, which may reduce pain signals to your brain and bod. But we’ll be honest: Even though they’re FDA-approved, there’s not enough research yet to know if they actually or consistently provide pain relief.
That said, lots of people love them. Here’s how to use TENS units and where to buy them.
What does a TENS unit do?
TENS units are devicesthat useelectrical currents to activate targetednervesin your body (e.g. where you havemuscle spasmsorback pain). Even though “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation” might sound like a fancy sci-fi machine, they’re pretty basic devices. They’ve been around since beforeThe Jetsons.
They’re usually small enough to fit in your pocket and battery-operated. Then, place a little pad with electrodes on the skin where you need it. This is connected to the operating device via wires.
These bad boys are often administered by aphysical therapistor another professional in a clinical setting. Then, after some instruction, a patient might be sent home to use one solo. That’s because it can take a few therapy seshes before the pros figure out the ideal stimulation settings, including the amount of Hz to fire into the targeted nerves and exactly where to place them.
Two common approachesincludefiring at a high frequency (above 50 Hz), which is the traditional method. Experts are experimenting with low frequencies ranging from 1–10. The high frequencies typically cause patients to feel tingling, while lower ones can cause burning and needling, almost likeacupuncture.
Most devices can be customized to deliver pulses in varying patterns. For example, an expert might recommend a constant pulsation, a repetitive rhythm, or bursts of pulsations followed by breaks with no flow. But there’s not enough research to solidify which approach is best, let alone for which conditions.
The most probabletheoryasserts that TENS units activate the spine’snervous systemby stimulating the production of your body’s built-in painkillers likeendorphinsand glutamate. There’s also the gate theory, which suggests the brain can’t perceive two stimulants at once. So, the TENS sensations override the pain sensations.
Some experts also think that TENS units cause dilation of blood vessels in targeted tissues, which could impede pain sensations. But again, the pros don’t know for sure.
Does TENS unit help back pain?
While we don’t have conclusiveresearchthat proves TENS units work onback pain. In a2022 review, scientists concluded that the majority of research suggests that the effect of TENS on pain control remains undecided. But, some promising studies allege TENS units might relieve back pain. For example, a2021 reviewlooked at 169 studies on TENS for sudden and chronic pain. They found that TENS offered pain relief across 69 studies, zero benefits in 13 studies, and inconclusive evidence in 87 studies.
Some other relevant studies include:
FYI: Some healthcare pros give it the green light. TENS units are used in many medical settings, and some doctors, nurses, and other healthcare prossaythey’ve seen them work first-hand. How well it works seems to depend on the individual and the condition being treated, though. For instance, they do appear at least anecdotally to work well to aid in rehab after an injury.
But… It seems to only provide short-term pain relief, if any. If TENS units work at all, it may be because they interfere with the body’s pain perception response in the short term. So far, there’s no evidence that electrical pulsations have a long-term effect on the body. So you’d have to keep wiring and firing your device to see results.
How often should you use TENS unit?
Unlike that bottle of pain meds, there’sno such thingas a recommended dose for TENS. Some experts recommend using itup to 4 times a day, while others say a few times a week is sufficient.
It’s really up to you and how you feel. Somepeopleonly use it when their pain is acting up for instance, while others prefer to use it on a daily basis.
Where to buy your TENS unit
So, she’s a 10, but she ignores the scientific research and buys a TENS unit to treat herback pain, anyway. (Feel ya.)
It’s always a good idea to talk to a medical professional about using a TENS unit. Once your provider gives you the all-clear, there are lots of OTC models to choose from. Here are some awesome options:
You can also find a TENS unit at your local pharmacy. They may cost anywhere from $20 to over $150. Remember the more expensive onesaren’t always better, though, so scope out reviews and do your research before buying.
TENS unit placement
These devices typically come with 2-4 pads that you stick to your skin. Stick them where you feel pain,at least 1 inchapart.
It may take some experimenting to find your sweet spots. For instance, if both sides of your back are aching, you can place 1-2 pads on either side of your spine.
Switch off the machine before you attach the pads.Never place the pads on:
What are the disadvantages of TENS therapy?
Not to sound like a TENS machine firing the same dang Hz frequency over and over… But there’s not enough research to prove that TENS devices even work for back pain.
But since they also cost as little as $20 and areconsidered very safefor most people, you may wanna try them anyway. So, who arenotmost people? Those who shouldnotuse TENS units or who should seek medical advice before using oneincludepeople who:
PSA: Some peoplemay experience allergies tothe electrode pads, causing redness and skin irritation. If it happens to you, cease use and visit your doctor. If you have skin sensitivities, there are also hypoallergenic pads you can buy.
There’s not enough evidence to prove that TENS provides back pain relief. But they’re a relatively cheap and safe option to try. They seem to work by activating the body’s natural painkillers likeendorphins.
If you want to try a TENS unit for yourself, there are tons of OT C options to choose from. Though it’s always a good idea to talk to a doc before using one, there isn’t a serious risk of side effects as long as you follow the de ice’s instructions carefully.
