Pain relief without drugs
by Bill Morrison
zone3
Over the last decade more and more people turned to alternative ways of
pain relief without the use of drugs. This article describes one of the
more popular ways, available to everyone, which is increasingly used by
people who suffer from chronic pain.
More and more people are turning to small compact electronic devices
like TENs machines to bring them pain relief without having to depend on
drugs that can often have unwanted side effects. These small digital
machines can be worn unobtrusively while carrying out normal day to day
activities.
What is TENs, how does it work and what sort of pain relief can it be
used for?
TENs stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation where
transcutaneous means through the skin. A TENs machine produces small
electrical impulses which are transmitted from the machine through the
skin by means of a wire connected to a small conductive patch which is
placed on the skin.
TENs machines are believed to work in a two ways. The small electrical
signal they transmit blocks pain signals from the body’s sensory nerves to
the brain resulting in pain relief. The signals generated by the TENs
machines can also encourage your body to release endorphins, natures own
pain relieving “feel good” hormone.
A study in Sweden showed that backache is one type of
pain which was best treated with the use of TENS machines. It also showed
that TENS machines were the only painkillers required by 70 per cent of
women in labour.
More recently some TENs machines are available with an electrical probe
which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points to bring pain relief.
While almost all TENs machines have cautions about placing the electrode
pads on the head and neck these “accu TENs” machines will permit users to
stimulate the accu points or “channels” elsewhere on the body to bring
relief to head or neck pain.
Placement of electrode pads is all important for effective pain relief.
Usually the pads are placed close to the source of the pain particularly
with muscle pain or joint pain. In the case of sciatic nerve pain the
electrode pads are likely to be placed either side of the spinal column
and the top part of the affected leg. Your health care provider should
advise on the best point to place the pads for optimum pain relief.
Correct placement is very important and sometimes may take a little trial
and error with careful reference to the manufactures guidelines.
Pads should never be placed near the eyes or over the nerves from
the neck to the throat or brain.
Most TENs machines have three main program modes, Conventional (some
machines may refer to this as Normal or Constant}, Burst and Modulation.
Each mode has subtle differences in the effect they have. Usually a
combination of these modes will work best to provide maximum short and
long term pain relief. With the TENs machine set to the Conventional mode
(frequency between 90 and 120Hz and pulse width between 80uS and
200uS) the pain relief tends to be short lasting after the machine
is switched off. To obtain longer lasting pain relief you should choose a
Burst mode, or select a lo-rate TENs program (usually between 2Hz to 5Hz
with a pulse width close to 200uS). The burst or “lo TENs” mode encourages
the release of endorphins and gives longer lasting pain relief.
All TENs machine will allow you to control the level of electrical
signal and once again it is import to set the machine to the optimum
setting. If you set the level too high your muscles may start to twitch.
You should adjust the TENs machine to a level where you can just feel a
slight tingling sensation.
TENS machines should only be used on the advice of a doctor or other
health professionals. They may not be suitable for all types of pain or
all conditions. Always follow the manufactures instructions supplied
with the machine. TENS machines should never be used by people who
have a pacemaker or have heart problems. Pregnant women should avoid using
TENs machines as the affects on the unborn baby are not known. Never place
TENs electrodes on your head or neck.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Morrison has his own website http://www.help4urback.com/
where he describes his own personal experiences and how he uses his TENs
machine to provide pain relief. He also includes personal recommendations
for people who suffer from sciatica or lower back pain on what books to
buy and what web sites to check out.
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