My Daughter has very kindly sent me a Tens machine to help with my back pain. I have read all the instructions and for LOWER back pain it says to place the pads, either side of your spine, ABOVE the waist. All my pain is below the waist. Should I put the pads where the actual pain is?
2007-09-20 03:46:35 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
You really need to experiment with it. The management of the pain is very personal. Although the leaflet gives ideas, they are not written in stone (except for the heart care).
I use my machine to help with the pain in my feet, and some times the pads go on my hips, sometimes omn my knees, sometimes on my feet.
What is important is that although the pain feels like it is in a place, sometimes it can start elsewhere, and only manifest itself in a lower/higher place along the nerve.
Try the machine, see what suits you. Don't be afraid of it.
Good luck
2007-09-20 03:58:12 · answer #1 · answered by bluebadger 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a TENS unit, you need to place the pads just above the highest point of the pain. This is because the unit blocks the pain from being transmitted to the brain. Any pain above the pads will not be intercepted and will still be felt.
One more caution: When I used a TENS unit, I thought I felt some better so I tended to do more than before and I ended up with worse back problems. It was NOT the solution for me!!
2007-09-20 04:09:56 · answer #2 · answered by missingora 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can try it, but start off above and around the area first, then if no relief try moving one at a time nearer to the area of pain. It doesnt have to be on top of the pain to work, as it will send signals through your nerves to the painful area. Not everyone finds TENS as a relief, i have extensive leg damage, and have tried all sorts of pain relief including TENS. It doesnt work on the outside of the skin for me, i am having an internal TENS put in, a spinal cord stimulator, which DOES help from the inside, even though it isnt over the damaged painful area.. You could try heat pads or hot cloths on the area over your back that is painful. Also, gentle rocking movements from side to side usually help a bad back, as gentle movements encourages our endorphins to kick in and ease the pain slightly. Also, relaxing in a warm/hot bath helps ease painful backs. Another member says you cant get them except off a gp, well my gp advised me on which one would be a good buy for me, and you can get them in most good pharmacies.
2007-09-23 02:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your daughter sent a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit to you. I'm not aware these are available without a doctor's prescription. The one my father-in-law used was provided by the medical equipment company per the MD's order. The trained staff advised him on proper use and settings. This is a good alternative to taking pain medications by mouth since it interrupts the pain pathways to the brain with electrical impulses. Note the key word...electrical. You can cause yourself undue pain if you don't know what you are doing. Consult your MD.
2007-09-20 23:09:44 · answer #4 · answered by Lynn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
experiment rember to set low at first. you can get a good jolt. build it up till its comfortable
2007-09-20 05:22:26 · answer #5 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need to experiament first m8 ive got one just play around with it.
2007-09-20 06:07:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anna B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋