When back pain strikes, it can become difficult, if not impossible, to participate in a wide range of activities, from rigorous workouts to casual games with friends and family. And, although magnesium supplements or natural therapies may help with many muscle problems, back pain is a serious condition that can be caused by a variety of circumstances and should not be dismissed as "just an ordinary discomfort."
Getting a TENS machine is something that a lot of medical professionals would suggest to patients who are dealing with persistent and bothersome pain in their backs.
How Does a TENS Machine Actually Work?
TENS is a treatment for back pain that use mild electrical current to stimulate nerve endings in the skin. In order to produce electrical impulses, these instruments have battery-operated units and electrodes that are applied to the skin at or near the pain areas.
There are really two competing explanations for the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). As stated in the first, the electric current alters your experience of back pain by stimulating nerve cells that prevent the transfer of pain signals to the brain. The other holds that the increased production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, is a result of the electric current stimulating the nerves.
Despite this, the TENS pain relief machine has been demonstrated to be very successful in treating a wide variety of illnesses, including back pain. These disorders include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and chronic pelvic pain.
The Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Devices
If you are still on the fence about purchasing a TENS machine to treat your back pain, here are a few of the advantages of these devices that are worth considering:
- By using a TENS unit, you may reduce your intake of opioids and other pain relievers. A TENS unit is an effective and inexpensive alternative to the long-term usage of prescription painkillers for chronic back pain.
- As opposed to medications, TENS treatment has little to no adverse effects when used to treat back pain. TENS treatment is designed to provide a physiological reaction that is both natural and very effective, with no harmful side effects.
- Whether you lead a sedentary or active lifestyle, a TENS device may help ease muscular inflammation and decrease tiredness.
- TENS units may be used as a substitute for a massage, resulting in increased blood flow, better motor skills, and lessened muscular spasms. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been demonstrated to help people get a better night's sleep in certain situations.
- Since TENS units are so small and lightweight, you can take them with you everywhere and use them whenever you need them.
A Primer on Choosing a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Feeling tempted to go out and get a TENS unit for your aching back? Here are a few things to think about before making a purchase that won't satisfy your wants and requirements.
Battery Life
As was previously noted, TENS devices need batteries of the 9-volt or 3 AAA kind to function. We advise against using these batteries, despite their apparent ease of use and practicality. These batteries are not necessary and will just add to the expense of your TENS treatment, particularly if you want to use them on a regular basis.
Alternatively, lithium batteries are superior and more often suggested since they can go longer between recharges. These batteries may be used for weeks or months before needing to be recharged, which eliminates the need to toss them away. Because of this, you may avoid the hassle of having to regularly replace worn-out batteries.
Modes and Intensity Settings
It's important to get the right TENS pain relief machine for your needs. Various electrical pulses and settings are effective for different forms of back pain, and different persons may experience different types of back pain.
When shopping for a TENS unit, keep in mind that different settings allow you to experience varied stimulations in various areas of your back. For this reason, be aware that most low-end versions may only give a performance in one or two modes, but this won't be an issue so long as you obtain a high-tech model with a wide range of modes and settings.
Easy Operation
If you've never used a TENS unit before, getting started might be quite confusing and irritating. This is why it's important to look for a program that has a straightforward layout and well-labelled controls.
In addition, many TENS units on the market may be linked to applications that provide you remote control of your TENS sessions from your smartphone. These programs may be pre-programmed to provide a variety of stimulations, have their power and intensity adjusted, and turn off after a certain amount of time.
Besides all this, it's helpful to choose a gadget that is small enough to carry about easily even while you're not at home. Today's manufacturers provide a wide variety of compact versions that are easy to take with you wherever you go.
Having read this, you should feel confident about going out and purchasing a TENS device. To put it simply, your back will appreciate it. he