Explanation of the Tens Stimulation

TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a therapy used mainly for the treatment of acute and chronic nerve related pain conditions. A TENS unit is available with a doctor's prescription.

Use

• TENS therapy can treat back and neck pain caused by continual strain or trauma.

Muscle Guarding

• The body responds to back and neck pain by muscle guarding--an attempt to stop the pain by tightening the muscles. TENS therapy breaks up this pain cycle and promotes the normal healing process.

Description

• TENS units are small electrical generators worn strapped to the belt. Wires attached to the generator connect to small pads placed around the painful areas. The units can be worn continuously.

Treatment

• TENS units send stimulating pulses across the skin's surface and along nerve strands. The pulses prevent pain signals from reaching the brain and help stimulate the body's natural pain killers--endorphins.

Warning

• Continuous use of a TENS unit to control pain may cause loss of effectiveness over time.