Tens (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Sciatica treatments may involve many oral pain killing drugs, TENS, or injections of anti-inflammatory medication that reduces the inflammation and reduces pain. TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive, drug-free method to get relief from pain.

TENS technology has been used by many medical doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors offices for decades and most of these medical professionals have a TENS device in their practice.
Tens machines are widely used by lower back pain and sciatica sufferers as a means of getting relief from pain. Many medical doctors, experts and physiotherapists often prescribe the use of Tens machines as a means of controlling back pain. It is very much effective for the treatment of sciatica. All medical professionals know that if you are experiencing some sort of lower back pain, it is stressed and it takes longer to overcome the issue causing your pain.  They can’t send you home with only a TENS unit, that’s why they often prescribe some pain killers for low back pain treatment.

A tens machine works by transmitting electrical impulses via special electrode pads that are placed on or near the area of pain at the back of the patient. TENS uses pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the pathway of nerve fibres. These pulses help to suppress the pain signals transmission to the brain. TENS became apractical application as a relief for the back pain and sciatica as a result of the “pain-gate” theory. Pain is experienced when nerves from various parts of the body send signals to the brain indicating that they are in distress and once these pain signals are picked up by the brain, the body experiences upheaval on a physical and mental level. The body becomes tensed, rigid and tight affecting multiple body muscles, which can then affect multiple organs within the body….thus the name, ‘pain gate’. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called endorphin.

The placement of the TENs electrode pads is carefully selected to target the specific areas which are causing the pain. The theory is that the electrical impulses from the machine modifies the pain signals which are transmitted to the brain via the sensory nerves that senses the pain. The intensity of the current can be adjusted according to the patient’s back pain level. The currents provided by the treatment break up the nerve signals, which are also electrical in nature, before they reaches to the brain and brain perceives the pain signals. Patient may experience a slight tingling sensation during the procedure.

The TENS treatment itself is painless; in fact, it encourages the body to produce more endorphin (natural pain relievers of our body). Besides stimulating the nerves and surrounding tissues, TENS treatment reduces swelling and helps bring body other muscle spasms under control.

The electrical impulses used in TENS are delivered via a TENS unit, which is a small battery-operated portable machine. Sciatica sufferers often find great relief from pain when utilizing a TENS unit. Proper handling and proper use of a TENS machine will increase your chances of achieving pain relief with this therapy in quick time.

All the tens machines comes with a complete user manual which should contain comprehensive details about the best placement of Tens machine electrode pads at the pain areas. In addition to this user manual, your health care provider will also advise you about the optimum placement of the Tens machine electrode pads.

However, TENS treatment is not a cure-all and can lead to many complications if done improperly. Using the TENS unit for longer than six hours at a time as it can cause numbness when used for extended periods. Patients should always consult their medical doctor to determine the proper setting to use before attempting TENS treatment at home.
The relief from the pain is instant and the backache treatment is completely safe and non-invasive. As the body is relieved of back pain, the body muscles cease to spasm and begin to relax.