{"id":42057,"date":"2021-06-28T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medicalnewsbulletin.com\/?p=42057"},"modified":"2023-03-09T13:24:01","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T18:24:01","slug":"is-tens-effective-for-pain-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalnewsbulletin.com\/is-tens-effective-for-pain-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"Are TENS machines effective for pain relief?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation \u2013 known as TENS \u2013 is a method of pain relief, commonly used as a treatment for a variety of pain conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantages of TENS machines<\/a> are that they are small, portable devices, that are easily used for at-home treatment, and are relatively inexpensive. People may also use TENS machines if they want to avoid taking pain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does a TENS machine relieve pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TENS machines work by sending electrical pulses to the skin surface via electrodes. These electrical pulses stimulate the nerves. This nerve stimulation works to relieve pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals by the nerves.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is although thought that some signalling molecules may be involved in the pain-relieving effects of TENS therapy, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and opioids.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is TENS safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TENS is considered comparatively safe when compared with certain medications. Some side effects that have been associated with TENS include redness or itchiness at the treatment site, or reduced blood pressure that can cause dizziness and nausea.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment with TENS is usually not recommended for people with serious medical conditions or device implants such as pacemakers.1<\/sup> Even though TENS is not a medication, you should speak with your doctor to make sure TENS is right for you and does not pose a serious health risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What conditions is a TENS machine typically used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TENS treatment has been studied for chronic pain<\/a> conditions. This includes chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n