TENS Therapy Used to Supplement - or Eliminate - Pain Meds

Doctors, patients, and health care professionals all agree that pain medications can be an important part of any pain management program.  However, due to a rise in prescription painkiller abuse and the inability of some patients to tolerate medication because of side effects and drug interactions, it is important to employ other pain management techniques to replace or supplement pain medication.  One effective and popular option to combatting pain without the use of drugs is a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulator) machine.
A TENS machine sends impulses through the skin that stimulate the nerve (or nerves) to help reduce pain.  These impulses are not painful and significantly reduce and, in some cases, even eliminate the pain a patient feels.  Many patients also report that their pain remains at bay after the electrodes are removed.  What’s best, unlike many forms of pain management, TENS machines work immediately.  Plus, unlike drugs which get into the bloodstream, a TENS machine will target only the area of the body where pain is present.
TENS machines are used for a variety of illnesses and conditions – both chronic and acute.  TENS therapy is most frequently prescribed for muscle or joint pain which occurs as a result of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.  It also is used for back and neck pain, tendinitis, and bursitis.
There are a few theories as to why TENS therapy is so effective in treating pain.  One theory postulates that electrical stimulations interrupt the transmission of pain through nerve endings.  Another theory states that the electrical currents involved in TENS therapy produces endorphins which help the body fight pain.  The use of TENS therapy dates back to the 1960s when the gate control theory of pain was introduced.  This theory was based on the belief that stimulating nerves closes a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord and that would help eliminate the sensation of pain.
While the benefits of TENS therapy are many, it is still extremely important to remember the following before starting a TENS program:

• Do not use a TENS machine unless a doctor orders it.  If your condition changes or worsens, contact your health care provider immediately.
• Never use a TENS machine while sleeping, driving, showering, or bathing.
• Make sure you never place electrodes on broken or irritated skin.  If you develop a rash or burn, discontinue use immediately and call your doctor or health care provider.
• Make sure you check and clean the skin under the electrodes on a regular basis.
• Do not use TENS with heating pads or cold packs.