TENS Unit

Sufferers of chronic pain may find their doctors prescribing TENS units to electrically stimulate affected nerves of the spinal cord. TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a therapeutic alternative to drugs or surgery used for painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. An electrode is affixed or implanted at the major pain site and a portable battery pack sends charges through it in order to block neural pain messages.

While the concept is simple, placement of the electrode and use of the TENS unit is more complex. Spinal stimulation should be ordered by a physician, who will locate the electrode and prescribe the length and intensity of sessions. Progress should be monitored for efficacy and coordinated with any drugs the patient is taking for pain relief. Results of TENS unit use should be immediate and last for several hours.

Learning When a TENS Unit Is a Good Pain Relief Choice

While spinal stimulation via a TENS unit can provide relief from acute and chronic pain, it does not correct the source of the pain. Sometimes, spinal stimulation is suggested as a gentle alternative to other therapies. At other times, it is a last effort to control ongoing pain symptoms that do not respond to other treatments.

Proper diagnosis of the source of pain will reveal which route each patient should take. Doctors at the Bonati Institute use powerful diagnostic tools to determine a course of therapy, from TENS unit use to the latest arthroscopic surgical procedures and follow-up care. They are dedicated to managing and eliminating pain related to spinal pathologies.