Health and Pain Mind

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of applying a gentle electric current to the skin to relieve pain. Studies have shown that it can be effective in certain cases of chronic pain.

A small box-shaped device, which patients can put in their pocket or hang on their belt, transmits electrical impulses through wires to electrodes taped to the skin in the painful area. Patients describe the sensation of TENS as buzzing, tingling or tapping.

The patient should experiment with the placement of the electrodes and the timing, intensity, amplitude and frequency of the electrical current to find the most effective setting. Pain relief usually lasts beyond the period when current is applied. TENS can become less effective at relieving pain over time.

TENS is usually safe and well tolerated. However, it is not recommended on inflamed, infected or otherwise unhealthy skin, over a pregnant uterus (except for obstetric pain relief), or in the presence of a cardiac pacemaker.

Tags: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

This entry was posted on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Pain, Pain Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.