pain relief with tens

INTRODUCTION

What is TENS?

TENS is short for Transcutaneous Electrical Neuro Stimulation. During this treatment, the pain is reduced using weak electrical currents. TENS treatment can also be combined with other treatments such as pain medication. 

If your Pain Management Specialist prescribes this treatment, you will receive an explanation on how to use the TENS device during your first appointment. 

During the first weeks of treatment, you will receive a telephone check-up (tele-consult) appointment. Four (4) weeks after the beginning of your treatment, you will discuss the results of your TENS therapy with the Pain Management Specialist. 

If the therapy reduces pain complaints, you will continue treatment with the TENS device. 

If there is no change, the Pain Management Specialist will discuss the next step in your treatment plan with you.

How does TENS work?

TENS therapy works by:

• disrupting nerve conduction that makes you feel pain;
• stimulating the release of analgesic (pain reducing) substances by the body;
• inducing a muscle relaxant effect.

It is important to note that while TENS cannot eliminate the cause of the pain, it can reduce the pain.

How do you use the TENS device?

The TENS device is a handheld device which applies weak electrical currents through the skin via electrodes. The electrodes are self-adhesive and attached to two cables of the TENS device. 

During the first consultation, the consultant will look for the most suitable locations to stick the electrodes. This is usually around the area of your body where you are experiencing pain. The electrodes can also be stuck on the back or the neck as this is where the large nerve that transmits pain to the spinal cord runs. 

After treatment, you can remove the electrodes. Ensure the device is off when applying and removing electrodes. This is to prevent additional stimuli. 

To prolong the use of the electrodes, stick the electrodes back onto the plastic card. Before doing this, slightly moisten the adhesive side of the electrodes with water. This way you can use the electrodes for two to three weeks. 

You can use the TENS therapy three (3) to four (4) times per day. Depending on the type of TENS therapy, treatment takes a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 60 minutes. During a treatment, you should sit quietly in a chair or lie down on a bed. It is not recommended to use TENS at night or while driving a vehicle for safety reasons (distraction, disconnection of the cables, etc.). 

If you have any questions or problems during usage or with the application of the TENS therapy, please contact the Pain Management Clinic.

Warnings

• The skin under the electrodes must be clean: no wounds, pimples or eczema.
• It is important that the skin is not oily. You should refrain from using lotions, creams or oils on this part of the skin.
• If there is a lot of hair growth where you need to stick the electrodes, it is recommended that you shave the hair.
• We do not recommend using TENS for skin diseases.
• If you have a pacemaker, please consult your Cardiologist prior to starting TENS. It is wise to discuss this with your Pain Management Specialist as well. 
• You should never stick the TENS electrodes to your carotid arteries.

Questions?

Do you have any questions about the information in this brochure? Contact your Pain Management Specialist using the information on the last page of this brochure.