 TENS Devices
The concept of using electricity to ease pain can actually be dated back long before electricity was even invented.
It was Scribonius Largus, who back in 63 A.D. in Greece first noted that if one were to stand on an electric eel near the seashore, the pain would ease for a time.
All the way throughout the 16th and 18th centuries, the uses of electrostatic devices to ease pains like headaches among many others were commonplace.
Even Benjamin Franklin developed a device known as the electreat that was used to treat pain. However it would not be until 1794 that the first TENS unit that we know of today was developed and released to the general public.
While this device was originally designed for testing pain tolerances, it would quickly be discovered that the patients testing the device were reporting pain relief instead. |
 TENS machineA TENS machine is great for all types of pains, both chronic as well as acute. This means that it can be helpful for things like headaches, sciatica, arthritis, TMJ disorder, muscular strains and even back pains. On the other hand though, the vast majority of people have reported that it does not help with certain neck pains so it is therefore important to make sure that you discuss the possibility of using a TENS machine with your physician beforehand.
In general though, assuming that your physician feels that a TENS machine will be helpful for you, it should be. It is important to keep in mind that while there have been a number of tests showing the safety of the treatment, there are certain variables which have not been tested such as on pregnant women. Furthermore there is a list of persons who should definitely not be using the TENS machine as well as a list of placements which are definitely out of the question as they can cause undue harm to your central nervous system.
Take the time to ensure that you get the proper instructions on using a TENS machine as well as making sure you also have the proper equipment such as replacement pads and various gels. The reason for this is that some people's skin is more sensitive than others and may require the use of a different adhesive product. |
