Pain is not just a feeling of discomfort, but it can affect the way we feel as well. Sometimes, it may lead to mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety or else. Acute pain comes suddenly and usually resolves within a few weeks. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is ongoing and can last more than three months.
However, every one of us experiences pain in a unique way. While some of us wave pain goodbye with pain relief medications, others are looking for other ways of treatment. To get effective pain relief, you need to find the source of the pain first. If you are suffering from chronic and arthritis back pain, you can buy TENS machine. It is one of the most popular pain relief methods these days and for a good reason.
What Is a TENS machine?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines are devices that help relieve pain by using a mild electrical current. Transcutaneous means “across the skin”. A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has sticky pads, referred to as electrodes as well, connected to the machine.
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You attach the pads directly to your skin and when the machine is switched on, a small electrical current is delivered to the affected areas of your body. During this process, you are most likely to feel a tingling sensation. The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which can help relax muscles and relieve pain. Also, they can stimulate the production of endorphins, known as the body’s natural painkillers.
A TENS machine may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions, such as arthritis, knee pain, period pain, pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sports injuries, postoperative pain, labour pain and more. You can buy TENS machine as an alternative to painkilling medication, however, make sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner and get a proper assessment first.
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Most people can use a TENS machine safely either as an alternative treatment or in combination with other methods of pain management. A few may experience side effects. Pregnant women should not use electrical stimulation for pain relief as well as people with heart conditions. Some people with skin allergies may react to the electrode pads used with the unit.
How Does a TENS Machine Work?
A TENS machine has controls that allow you to administer the appropriate level of pain relief. These days, you can find TENS machines that no longer require the use of remote control, but the app that can be found in App Store or Google Play. You can alter the intensity, frequency and duration to achieve the level of pain relief needed for your condition.
Due to a lack of high-quality research and clinical trials, researchers have not determined yet if TENS is a reliable method for pain relief. However, it is a low-risk pain relief option for many people and in some cases, it may be dependant on certain factors such as the affected area of your body and the intensity of the treatment.
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It’s important to remember that you should use your TENS machine only as directed. Always read the label and instruction manual and follow them as advised.
Benefits of Buying a TENS Machine
No Side Effects
Pain medications are hard on our bodies and can cause numerous side effects, including nausea or vomiting, dizziness, constipation, liver failure, drowsiness, respiratory depression, digestive problems and more. It’s ironic how taking something for pain can give you more pain in turn. Also, some people become resistant to their medications and they are less effective.
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The Endorphin Release theory suggests that TENS works by sending an electric current that focuses only on the sensory nerve ending that control pain. As previously mentioned, with the help of these currents passing to the brain, it releases endorphins, which reduce the pain you feel. That being said, it’s clear that TENS reacts as a prescription drug but with no side effects because it makes the body respond naturally.
Reduced Inflammation
With pain comes inflammation, and it causes even more pain. But the good news is that a TENS machine can help with inflammation as well. Many studies have discovered that electric impulses can reduce inflammation located deep within the muscle fibres.
Massage
Even if you are not experiencing any pain, you can follow a different pulse pattern that will provide a deep massage. You can change the intensity to massage the muscle internally.
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Easy to Use
Being an advanced medical device, a TENS machine is very easy to use. It’s simple to operate, so you can use it at home. All you need to do is place the pad on the muscle that needs stimulation and let the machine do its job.
Affordable
Buying a TENS machine can eventually pay off in the long run. The use of this unit is economical and will cost you much less than surgery or pain medications.
In the end, all you want with pain management is a better quality of life. You want to get back to the activities that make you happy and feel like the person you used to be. You know it’s working when you can say goodbye to pain relievers, you get quality sleep and feel better as the days go by.
