TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a back pain treatment that uses low voltage electric current to relieve pain.

TENS is typically done with a TENS unit, a small battery-operated device. The device can be hooked to a belt and is connected to two electrodes. The electrodes carry an electric current from the TENS machine to the skin.

How TENS Might Help Back Pain

There is little research to support how -- or even if -- TENS really works. Its use dates back to the 1960s with the introduction of the gate control theory of pain. According to the theory, stimulating nerves closes a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord, and that can help eliminate the sensation of pain. During a TENS treatment for back pain, electrodes are placed on the skin over an area of pain in the back. This creates electrical impulses that travel along nerve fibers and create a tingling sensation.

Some people feel less pain when the electrical impulses are delivered. This could be because stimulating the nerves blocks other pain signals. Another theory is that stimulating the nerves may help the body produce natural painkillers called endorphins.

Research, though, has for the most part, failed to support the use of TENS alone for back pain. In one review of four studies comparing TENS to placebo, conflicting evidence made it difficult to determine whether TENS is beneficial in reducing back pain intensity.

Using TENS

TENS, when properly used, is generally safe. If you think you would like to try TENS for muscle pain, speak to your doctor. The technique works differently for different people, and it's not for everyone. Your doctor may advise against using TENS if you have a pacemaker or you are in the first weeks of a pregnancy.

Before starting TENS, have your doctor or physical therapist show you how to use the TENS machine.

A TENS Unit can be good for must superficial pains such as that of back pain.

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15-20 minute TENS unit on any body part upon request.

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